SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has been awarded its first confirmed contract by the Pentagon for the Starshield network, a military-specific version of the company’s Starlink satellite internet system. The one-year contract, with a maximum value of $70 million, was awarded on September 1. The contract includes the provision of end-to-end service, user terminals, ancillary equipment, network management, and other related services. The Pentagon had previously shown interest in SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet and has been a high-value buyer of the company’s rocket launches.
Starshield, unveiled by SpaceX last year, is positioned as a dedicated offering for national security with distinct capabilities from its consumer and enterprise network, Starlink. However, limited details have been provided about the intended scope and capabilities of Starshield. The initial phase of the contract requires SpaceX to provide services supporting 54 military “mission partners” across various branches of the Department of Defense.
This contract comes after SpaceX’s previous June win of a contract from the Pentagon to supply an unspecified number of Starlink ground terminals for use in Ukraine. The initial phase of the Starshield contract will require SpaceX to receive $15 million by September 30, supporting the aforementioned military mission partners.