The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to accelerate the development of the Space Data Network Backbone. This low Earth orbit constellation is intended to become a primary layer of the future U.S. military communication network in space. The agreement, announced on May 26, 2026, by the Space Systems Command, includes the delivery of a fully operational prototype by the end of 2027.
This program is part of the Space Data Network (SDN), the architecture through which the Space Force aims to continuously connect sensors, satellites, command centers, and weapon systems. The Backbone will function as a high-capacity data transport network, providing low-latency, global-scale connectivity.
The constellation will be deployed in LEO, comprising a large number of satellites. This approach enhances network resilience; instead of relying on a few large satellites, the architecture uses numerous interconnected nodes, making it difficult to degrade the entire system. According to the Space Systems Command, the system will feature a network of optically connected satellites, utilizing inter-satellite laser communications to transfer data without constant reliance on ground stations.
SpaceX and the U.S. Military Satellite Network
This contract underscores SpaceX’s growing role in U.S. military space infrastructure. The SDN Backbone program, previously referred to as MILNET, is linked to the development of Starshield, SpaceX’s family of services and satellites designed for government and national security clients. Starshield leverages the technical expertise gained from Starlink but is tailored for government applications, with different requirements for security, integration, and resilience.
The Backbone will not replace the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer but will work in conjunction with it. The Transport Layer is an LEO satellite network developed by the SDA to carry tactical data and support missions such as missile warning, tracking, and operational communications. The SDN Backbone, conversely, is expected to provide backhaul capability, meaning the transfer of large volumes of data across the overall network architecture.
The contract award comes as the Space Force increasingly invests in interconnected satellite constellations. The budget request for fiscal year 2027 includes significant funding for the Space Data Network, with allocations for the Backbone’s development, research, and construction. This program may also support future U.S. missile defense architectures, including the Golden Dome project.
