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SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force Contract

November 15, 2023

1 min read

Key Takeaways

SpaceX wins $2.29 billion Space Force contract.
Contract is for Space Data Network backbone development.
Network will use low Earth orbit satellites.
System aims for near-real-time data transmission.

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Strategic Implications

This contract may indicate the Space Force's growing reliance on commercial satellite technology for military data networks. The selection of SpaceX suggests confidence in the company's ability to deliver secure and reliable satellite networks, which could strengthen its position in the government space market.

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What Happened

Building Military Data Network In Space

The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to develop a network of low Earth orbit satellites for a military data network. The Space Data Network backbone, previously known as MILNET, will transport military data through space, enabling near-real-time transmission of targeting and sensor data. The system will be built using SpaceX’s Starshield satellites, a variant of the company’s commercial Starlink constellation. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.

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Companies Mentioned