SpaceX has signed the first contract worth up to $70 million to provide Starshield satellite internet services for the US Space Force

US space forces will be able to use Starshield satellite communications services. SpaceX has signed its first contract with the military service.

Here's What We Know

The US Space Force is ready to allocate $900 million until 2028 for a new programme that involves using satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide the US military with communications. SpaceX has been awarded the first contract worth up to $70 million, which is for one year.

Starshield will utilise the existing Starlink constellation of spacecraft. SpaceX has put nearly 5,000 internet satellites into low Earth orbit. Starshield will be controlled by the Space Force and the US Department of Defence.

SpaceX announced Starshield late last year. The company said that the military version of Starlink meets more stringent requirements to ensure the security of data transmission. This was achieved by introducing additional highly secure cryptographic capabilities.

Starshield will be integrated into a network of government satellites that are already deployed in orbit. Part of the new system will be the Falcon 9 rocket, which has been approved by the Pentagon to carry out classified and unclassified missions for the US government.

Source: Bloomberg