Space Force awards SpaceX $4.16B SB-AMTI satellite contract to track aircraft and missiles
Foreign aircraft, drones and cruise missiles now face persistent orbital surveillance after the Space Force awarded SpaceX $4.16B for the SB-AMTI satellite constellation. First-gen network targets 2028 under the Golden Dome shield. Watch: follow-on awards to the other 8 competito
Foreign aircraft, drones and cruise missiles now face persistent space-based surveillance after the U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract on Friday for the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, known as SB-AMTI. The Other Transaction Authority agreement funds a constellation of satellites carrying sensors designed to detect and continuously track airborne targets across contested regions. Space Systems Command said the first generation of satellites is intended to reach operational status by 2028, with second and third generations anticipated by 2035. The Space Force described the network as integrating space sensors, communications systems and AI-enabled ground processing. SB-AMTI is part of the wider Golden Dome defensive shield announced by the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, the Space Force awarded SpaceX a separate $2.29 billion contract for a high-speed satellite communications network linking military sensors and weapons platforms. SpaceX was one of nine companies selected in April to compete for SB-AMTI awards. According to the Space Force, additional awards are planned next year to diversify suppliers, leaving room for the remaining eight competitors to take a share of follow-on work. Space Force officials said placing detection capabilities in orbit is intended to close coverage gaps left by ground-based sensors and military aircraft, particularly over oceans, denied airspace and contested theaters. To watch: the schedule of follow-on awards, the identity of remaining SB-AMTI competitors, and operational milestones from the first-generation constellation between now and 2028.