Emerging U.S. Space Force proliferated LEO SATCOM / Space Data Network backbone formerly referred to as MILNET. Public sources show budget/funding direction but say final architecture and acquisition path remain unsettled.
10 forecast rows linked to this constellation.
| Forecast entry | Year | Satellites | Orbit | Vehicle | Manufacturer | Mission | Launch likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2027 |
0 linked spacecraft shown.
| Spacecraft | Status | Orbit | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
No linked spacecraftNo spacecraft rows are currently linked to this constellation. | |||
No spacecraft rows are currently linked to this constellation.
| 2027 |
| 24 |
| LEO |
| TBD |
| TBD |
| Communications |
| 2.75 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2028 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2028 | 60 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.9 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2029 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2029 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.9 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2030 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2030 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.9 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2031 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2031 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.9 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2032 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2032 | 24 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.4 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2033 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2033 | 60 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.4 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2034 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2034 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.4 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2035 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2035 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.4 / 5 |
| MILNET / Space Data Network Backbone annual deployment 2036 Resilient high-volume, low-latency LEO communications and tactical data transport backbone for military users. | 2036 | 96 | LEO | TBD | TBD | Communications | 2.4 / 5 |
The MILNET satellites will operate in Low Earth Orbit and utilize Optical Inter-Satellite Links to form a mesh network that reduces reliance on ground stations.
SpaceX has begun production of MILNET satellite units, adapting the Starshield bus to host specific USSF communications payloads.
The MILNET constellation will consist of approximately 480 satellites designed to provide high-bandwidth, resilient communications for global military operations.
The USSF expects the first batch of dedicated MILNET satellites to begin deployment in mid-2026.
The U.S. Space Force confirmed the deployment of a military satellite communications architecture called 'MILNET' in partnership with SpaceX on December 27, 2025.
The SDA’s Transport Layer focuses on low-latency tactical data inputs, while MILNET provides the heavy-lift data transport for moving large intelligence and sensor files.
The MILNET program emphasizes the need for resilient, distributed communications that can withstand electronic warfare and kinetic threats.
The Space Force funds the MILNET program to meet specific Department of Defense connectivity requirements.
Initial operating capability for the MILNET program is projected for late 2027, coinciding with validation tests to ensure data handoffs with the SDA’s Transport Layer.
The review weighs the SDA’s proliferated satellite model against a classified constellation known as MILNET.
MILNET is understood to rely heavily on SpaceX’s Starshield as a single provider.
MILNET is developed in collaboration with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The Space Force's review of MILNET is expected to conclude in time for the FY27 budget in spring.