SpaceX Secures $70 Million Contract with US Space Force for Starshield Deployment

The United States Army is gearing up to conduct trials to evaluate SpaceX’s Starshield systems, tailored explicitly for defence purposes and adapted from the company’s Starlink satellite internet service. The commanding general of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) of the United States Army revealed that their unit is poised to become one of the initial adopters of Starshield.  

US Army Colonel Brandon Teague, commander of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), disclosed that on October 1, the brigade took delivery of four Starshield systems. These systems represent the military-specific variant of SpaceX’s Low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation tailored for communication purposes. These newly acquired Starshield systems are slated for deployment at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, where they will play a crucial role in a training rotation scheduled from late October to early November.  

SpaceX and US Space Force secure $70 Million contract

A Space Force spokesperson officially confirmed the contract, valued at US$ 70 million and spanning a one-year duration. This collaboration marks a notable instance of the military branch engaging with the private sector to advance its capabilities in space operations. SpaceX’s Starshield technology, comprised of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), is poised to deliver diverse functionalities, including high-speed broadband, space situational awareness, and alternative solutions for positioning, navigation, and timing. Starshield will provide enhanced cybersecurity compared to standard Starlink satellites.  

SpaceX has a track record of collaborating with various US military and government agencies, including numerous launches within the framework of the National Security Space Launch program, satellite development for the Space Development Agency, and joint initiatives with NASA. However, SpaceX’s involvement in defence-related endeavours has not been devoid of controversy.   

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, faced criticism for declining a request from the Ukrainian government to employ the Starlink satellite network to coordinate an attack on Russian targets. Musk has emphasized the civilian character of Starlink, asserting that it must remain dedicated to civilian purposes and avoid any military entanglements. In contrast, “Starshield will be owned by the US government and controlled by DoD Space Force,” Musk noted. The disclosure has prompted a congressional inquiry into Musk’s actions, led by Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.