The US Space Force has made a $2.29 billion deal with SpaceX for the development of a proliferated low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation called the Space Data Network (SDN) to reinforce future American military space-based communications.
– Space Force
The system is expected to produce an operational prototype by the end of 2027, according to Space Systems Command.
“The SDN Backbone leverages the best of commercial innovation and delivers a strong foundation for the SDN mission set — a huge benefit and enabler for our warfighters,” Col. Ryan Frazier, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for space-based sensing and targeting, said in a statement.
SpaceX’s “Starshield” offering, serving US and allied governments, builds on Starlink technology to deliver optical and radio reconnaissance, early missile warning, and target tracking. COO Gwynne Shotwell has previously implied that SpaceX is not allowed to disclose much information about Starshield.
