MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone

The Space Data Network Backbone is a proliferated low Earth orbit satellite constellation designed to provide low-latency, high-capacity data transport for the Joint Force.

The Space Data Network Backbone receives and routes targeting data generated by the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator constellation.

The Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator constellation requires infrared and radio frequency sensing payloads, onboard processing, data transport to the Space Data Network Backbone, and ground-based fusion and tasking infrastructure.

SpaceX must deliver a fully operational Space Data Network Backbone prototype by the end of 2027.

On May 26, 2026, Space Systems Command awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion firm-fixed-price Other Transaction Authority delivery order for the Space Data Network Backbone.

Congress should grant multi-year procurement authority for the Space Data Network backbone and the proliferated low Earth orbit tracking layer.

Golden Dome’s architecture includes proliferated low Earth orbit tracking, the Space Data Network backbone, space-based interceptors, and integrated command and control.

The Space Data Network Backbone contract requires a fully operational prototype by the end of 2027.

The United States Space Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion fixed-price contract for the Space Data Network Backbone before the V3 test.

The Space Force describes the Space Data Network Backbone award as a firm-fixed-price OTA delivery order with an operational prototype due by the end of 2027.

The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion Other Transaction Authority contract on May 26 to build the Space Data Network Backbone on the Starshield platform.

The US Space Force requested $1.5 billion in research and development and $1.6 billion in procurement for the Space Data Network backbone in its FY27 budget.

The United States plans to integrate Milnet into a hybrid network that combines commercial satellites and Department of Defense satellites.

Milnet is a low-Earth-orbit constellation of SpaceX Starshield satellites.

Milnet is intended to support the Golden Dome program.

Link-182 will allow space-based intercept platforms to integrate into the Milnet layer and improve data flow and threat response.

BAE Systems will test satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182, the radio-frequency data link adopted for the U.S. Space Force’s Milnet constellation.

The Starbase visit reinforces the military’s intent to use Starship as the primary heavy-lift platform for the 480-satellite MILNET constellation.

The National Reconnaissance Office administers the acquisition of the MILNET program.

MILNET is designed to operate as a high-capacity backbone layer alongside the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture being built by the Space Development Agency.