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 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, Dr. Frank Turner, Technical Director of the Space Development Agency, discusses how the SDA is trying to help both industry and DoD understand how to support the warfighter, building a mesh network in space and the difference between the SDA’s tracking and transport layer and Tranches.