SpaceX has secured a $4.16 billion contract from the US Space Force's Space Systems Command to develop and deploy a satellite constellation for tracking airborne threats from orbit. The system, known as the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI), will detect and follow aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
This constellation is a key component of the Golden Dome initiative, which envisions a comprehensive missile defense architecture built on thousands of satellites. The goal is to achieve initial operational capability by 2028, giving SpaceX roughly two years to deliver functioning hardware.
SpaceX's role focuses on detection and tracking, while 12 other companies received prototype contracts worth up to $3.2 billion in April 2026 for developing space-based interceptors. The contract is structured as an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, allowing the Pentagon to bypass traditional procurement rules for faster deployment.
SpaceX has been building its defense portfolio through the Starshield program, which provides secure satellite communications and sensing for government clients.