SDA led by new acting director as investigation into Tournear continues

The deputy director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office will take over as acting director of the Space Development Agency as an investigation into Director Derek Tournear continues, an Air Force Department spokesperson said today.

William Blauser, who joined the RCO in July, assumes the duties that have been performed by Space Systems Command Commander Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant since Tournear was placed on administrative leave last month.

“As the senior most Space Force acquisitions officer available to step into the role, Lt. Gen. Garrant was previously selected to serve as acting director of the Space Development Agency,” the spokesperson said in an email. “Given the importance of space acquisition programs, both the Space Development Agency and Space Systems Command require full-time leadership, and the Department of the Air Force has named Mr. Blauser as SDA’s new acting director.”

The Air Force Department, which announced the investigation into Tournear Jan. 16, would not provide further information about the investigation when asked about cause and timeline.

SDA manages the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites with communications and missile warning/missile tracking payloads.