The U.S. Department of Defense is establishing a satellite data network for its ambitious missile defense project, “Golden Dome.” To this end, it has signed a special multi-billion-dollar contract with SpaceX, a leader in providing global high-speed satellite communications.
Data network for the “Golden Dome”
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network that will connect military sensors and combat platforms around the world, the agency announced on Tuesday. The fixed-price contract under a non-traditional arrangement includes the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone, a robust network architecture that provides high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission for military use.
The Space Force stated that the contractor must deliver a fully functional prototype by the end of 2027. Among other functions, the SDN will provide communication channels for integrating and transmitting data from missile warning and tracking sensors to interceptors in near real time—a capability considered central to the Trump administration’s “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. “The SDN Backbone uses the best of commercial innovation and provides a solid foundation for the SDN mission—a tremendous benefit and opportunity for our military,” said Air Force Colonel Ryan Frazier, acting executive director of portfolio acquisition, who oversees the program.
Unified Architecture
The SDN Backbone is a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (pLEO) that expands the network of satellites providing global communications services, the Pentagon said. It will work in conjunction with the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer to create a unified architecture for providing critical data transport for current and future Department of Defense missions.
The Space Force has announced that it plans to select additional contractors for the construction of satellites and other network components over the summer.
According to www.reuters.com
