SpaceX—SpaceX operates Starshield military satellite constellation for spy agencies and Space Force
SpaceX's Starshield program provides classified military satellite capabilities to the NRO, Space Force, and Space Development Agency. The program includes target tracking, optical and radio reconnaissance, and early missile warning capabilities. SpaceX secured a $1.8 billion classified NRO contract in 2021 and a $5.9 billion Space Force contract in 2025. As of 2025, at least 183 Starshield satellites have been launched, with plans to deploy 100+ more by 2029.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military & Defense Contracts | +toward | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.993 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.66)
Evidence (2 signals)
SpaceX awarded $5.9 billion Space Force contract through 2029
On April 4, 2025, SpaceX was awarded a $5.9 billion contract to support U.S. Space Force rocket launches and satellite operations through 2029 as part of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program.
SpaceX secured $1.8 billion classified NRO contract for Starshield spy satellites
According to Reuters, SpaceX's Starshield program secured a $1.8 billion classified contract in 2021 from the National Reconnaissance Office for building a network of spy satellites. The satellites provide target tracking, optical and radio reconnaissance, and early missile warning capabilities.