The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it has awarded SpaceX its first confirmed contract for the Starshield network, a military-specific adaptation of the company’s Starlink satellite internet system.
According to a Space Force spokesperson, SpaceX was awarded a one-year contract for Starshield on September 1, with a maximum value of $70 million.
This contract is part of a program managed by the Space Force’s commercial satellite communications office and includes awards to 18 other companies.
Ann Stefanek, a Space Force spokesperson, explained that the SpaceX contract covers the provision of Starshield end-to-end service through the Starlink constellation, including user terminals, ancillary equipment, network management, and other related services.
Starshield was introduced by SpaceX last year as a new business line focused on national security, distinct from the company’s Starlink consumer and enterprise network.
Although SpaceX has not disclosed many details about Starshield’s scope and capabilities, it promotes the service as a comprehensive, dedicated offering for national security.
This award comes on the heels of SpaceX’s June contract with the Pentagon for an unspecified number of Starlink ground terminals for use in Ukraine.
The initial phase of the Starshield contract commits $15 million to SpaceX by September 30, aimed at providing services for 54 military “mission partners” across various branches of the Department of Defense.
