The U.S. Space Force has selected SpaceX to build the backbone of a military space-data network that will connect global military sensors and weapons systems through low-Earth-orbit satellites. The effort also supports the Trump administration’s missile-defense initiative known as Golden Dome.
On May 26, Reuters reported that the Space Force signed a $2.29 billion contract with SpaceX to build the Space Data Network (SDN) backbone (about 3.1 trillion KRW (about $2.33 billion)). The SDN backbone is a satellite communications system designed to transmit data quickly and securely between military sensors and weapons systems.
The contract is a fixed-price award. SpaceX must deliver a system suitable for trial operations by the end of 2027. The Space Force says the network is designed to move large volumes of data fast and to withstand outages and hostile attacks.
The SDN backbone will field large numbers of low-Earth-orbit satellites linked in a mesh. The Pentagon says that, together with the Space Development Agency’s existing low-orbit transport layer, the SDN will form an integrated space-data transport network.
The military’s primary focus is missile defense. SDN will relay data from missile-warning and tracking sensors to intercept systems in near real time, shortening the decision chain from detection to engagement.
The project directly supports the Golden Dome concept, which envisions using space-based surveillance and communications to counter missile threats against the U.S. homeland and forward-deployed forces. Officials describe the SDN backbone as a critical communications layer underpinning Golden Dome.
Col. Ryan Fraser of the U.S. Space Force said, “The SDN backbone leverages commercial innovation to provide a strong foundation for the SDN mission,” adding that it will strengthen warfighting capabilities.
More contracts are expected. The Space Force plans to select additional companies this summer to build satellites and other network components.
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