SpaceX to deploy satellite communications network for US Space Forces

The US Space Force announced the conclusion of a contract with Elon Musk's SpaceX for $2.29 billion for the accelerated development and deployment of the SDN Backbone high-speed satellite communications network in low Earth orbit. This was announced on May 27 on the website in a press release of the military space agency.

"To promote this critically important technology (the SDN Backbone satellite communications network — Ed.), the space force has entered into a competitive supply agreement with SpaceX with a fixed price of $2.29 billion to create the SDN Backbone network," the publication says.

As stated in the press release, the SDN Backbone network will become a key element of the military communications architecture, ensuring continuous and secure communication between sensors and weapons systems around the world.

It is noted that SDN Backbone will be a grouping of low-orbit satellites with optical inter-satellite channels, designed to provide the US armed forces with stable tactical and broadband communications with high bandwidth and minimal signal delay.

According to the terms of the agreement, SpaceX must provide a fully operational prototype of the system by the end of 2027.

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On February 7, SpaceX announced the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, during which another group of Starlink satellites consisting of 25 vehicles was launched into orbit. The launch took place from a spaceport in California.