US Space Force confirms SpaceX will build sensor-to-shooter targeting network

Space Systems Command awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion firm-fixed-price contract to deliver the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone. The network is intended to provide resilient, high-speed communications in space and to form a core communications layer for US Space Force war-fighting systems. The backbone will use an optically interconnected mesh of satellites in low-Earth orbit to deliver worldwide tactical and broadband communications services. The technology is based on capabilities originally developed for SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, and the satellites are expected to draw on Starshield platforms already built for military applications. The network is described as continuously, globally, and securely connecting sensors and shooters.

"Space Systems Command, the Space Force's primary procurement and acquisition center, announced the $2.29 billion firm-fixed-price agreement, confirming long-simmering reports that the Pentagon was likely to tap SpaceX for a new communications network in low-Earth orbit. SpaceX's selection for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone contract "accelerates the delivery of a resilient, high-speed communications network in space," Space Systems Command said in a statement."

"The network will be based on technology originally developed for SpaceX's Starlink global Internet constellation. SpaceX already builds and launches specially designed satellites, called Starshield, for military applications. The SDN Backbone network in low-Earth orbit (LEO) will presumably use the Starshield platform. "This award will enhance the network with an expanded optically interconnected mesh of satellites delivering world-wide tactical communications and broadband communication services," Space Systems Command said."

"Col. Ryan Frazier, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting, said the network "leverages the best of commercial innovation " and will be a "huge benefit and enabler" for US military forces. The network "acts as a core communications layer for the USSF war-fighting systems, ensuring our sensors and shooters are connected continuously, globally and securely," Frazier said in a press release."

Read at Ars Technica