# The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $US2.29 billion ($A3.19 billion) contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-26 · PerthNow*

## Key points

- SpaceX received a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a global military satellite network.
- The Space Data Network Backbone prototype must be fully operational by the end of 2027.
- SDN will transport real-time data from missile warning sensors to interceptors, enabling missile defense.
- The SDN Backbone is a proliferated low Earth orbit constellation expanding global secure communications.
- The Space Force will select more contractors for satellites and network elements later this summer.

**Companies:** SpaceX
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on PerthNow](https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/technology/spacex-wins-contract-for-military-space-data-network-c-22342185)

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