The U.S. Space Force said on Friday it had awarded SpaceX a value$4.16 billiona contract for aSatellite program to track and target airborne threats. Currently, SpaceX is advancing its IPO. The project, called the Space-Based Advanced Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI), is an interconnected "distributed complex system" (SoS) that integrates space-based sensors, secure communication links and ground processing systems to promote closer cooperation among the government's space industry base.
SpaceX
The Trump administration’s flagship Golden Dome missile defense system contains multiple layers, one of which is the sensing and tracking layer. The satellites are expected to play a role in tracking missiles. The Golden Dome program aims to expand ground-based interceptors, sensors and command systems while adding space-based satellites to detect, track and potentially counter air threats, including on-orbit weapons that are still being discussed.
The U.S. Space Force said that the supplier pool for this SB-AMTI project includes multiple companies, including SpaceX, and will award multiple contracts over the next year. "This initial contract is expected to field a satellite constellation by 2028 to provide joint warfighting forces with early capabilities to eliminate operational blind spots," the Space Force said in a statement.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network to connect military sensors and weapons platforms around the world. SpaceX is targeting a valuation of more than $1.75 trillion in its IPO.