134 - Spiral Development, Technology Readiness Levels and Being a Constructive Disruptor

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss how the Space Development Agency (SDA) is accelerating the development of space-based capabilities for the warfighter. The SDA is focused on enabling data to get to the tactical edge on relevant timelines, i.e. lowering data latency.  They are accelerating capabilities with spiral development, working with the idea that getting to a solution that is 80% complete and viable in two years is better than an exquisite solution that will take five years. During this episode of Constellations, Dr. Frank Turner, Technical Director of the Space Development Agency, explains spiral development, how it is used and why it is helping to get data to the warfighter quicker. He discusses the difference between the SDA’s tracking and transport layer and Tranches, what they are and how part of their goal is to set a level playing field for each company that wants to participate.  Dr. Turner also talked about optical inter-satellite links and building a mesh network in space. Hear Dr. Turner explain how the SDA is trying to help both industry and DoD understand how to support the warfighter communicate.