SpaceX has won its first major contract with the US Space Force, securing a deal to provide secure satellite communications services via its Starlink internet constellation. The $70 million contract, awarded on September 1, 2023, will fund SpaceX’s new Starshield program over the next year to provide communications capabilities to 54 mission partners across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Starshield will leverage SpaceX’s existing Starlink satellites and ground infrastructure but will be customized to meet the specialized needs of military users. Key features are expected to include enhanced security, increased bandwidth, and the ability to operate in contested environments where signals face jamming threats.
The contract award underscores the growing importance of commercial satellite communications to the US military. SpaceX’s Starlink system was used earlier this year to restore internet access in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. This new deal would expand Starlink’s role in providing vital communications services to US forces around the globe.
While details remain limited, SpaceX indicated Starshield will provide an “end-to-end service” including user terminals and network management. The initial contract has a ceiling of $70 million for one year, but could be extended longer term. This is the first major Starshield contract for SpaceX since the formation of the Space Force in 2019.
The award demonstrates the Space Force’s confidence in SpaceX’s capabilities to deliver secure, resilient satellite communications. As military operations grow increasingly reliant on networks in space, services like Starlink and Starshield are expected to play a key role for years to come. This deal marks an important milestone in the expanding partnership between SpaceX and the US military.
