U.S. Space Force Awards SpaceX $4.16B for Airborne Tracking Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract on May 29 to build a satellite constellation for the Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication (AMTI) program, aimed at tracking airborne threats from orbit. The system, targeting initial fielding by 2028, is designed to counter adversary anti-access/area-denial systems and reduce reliance on traditional aircraft. The contract is part of a broader $7 billion FY2027 budget request, with multiple vendors selected for diversity.
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US Space Force awards $4.16bn space-based sensing deal to SpaceX
The United States Space Force (USSF) has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space Based Sensing & Targeting (SBST) program to advance the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) initiative. The agreement, made through a competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA), aims to develop a satellite constellation capable of detecting and tracking airborne threats globally from orbit. The program responds to vulnerabilities of traditional airborne platforms against advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The Space Force intends for SB-AMTI to complement existing sensing techniques with persistent space-based surveillance. The contract includes integration of space-based sensors, secure communications, and ground processing infrastructure. A multi-vendor framework will leverage commercial technologies, with SpaceX selected among several companies. The satellite constellation is expected to be deployed by 2028, providing early operational capability. Separately, SpaceX also received a $2.29 billion OTA for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone program, a proliferated low Earth orbit communications constellation.
Airforce TechnologyUS Space Force awards $4.16bn space-based sensing deal to SpaceX
The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space Based Sensing & Targeting (SBST) program to advance the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) initiative. The contract, issued via a competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, aims to develop a satellite constellation to detect and track airborne threats globally from orbit, addressing vulnerabilities of traditional airborne platforms to anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The program is structured as a system-of-systems, integrating space-based sensors, secure communications, and ground processing. SpaceX is part of a multi-vendor pool, with the initial constellation expected by 2028. Separately, SpaceX also received a $2.29 billion OTA for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone program, a proliferated low Earth orbit satellite constellation for high-capacity communications, with a prototype due by end of 2027.
Airforce TechnologyUS Space Force awards $4.16bn space-based sensing deal to SpaceX
The United States Space Force (USSF) has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space Based Sensing & Targeting (SBST) program to advance the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) initiative. The contract, issued via a competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA), aims to develop a satellite constellation capable of detecting and tracking airborne threats globally from orbit. The program responds to vulnerabilities of traditional airborne platforms against advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The Space Force intends to complement existing airborne sensing with a persistent, space-based system. The SB-AMTI program is structured as a system-of-systems, integrating space sensors, secure communications, and ground processing. A multi-vendor pool has been established, with SpaceX among selected companies. The constellation is expected to be deployed by 2028, providing early operational capability. Separately, SpaceX also received a $2.29 billion OTA for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone program, a proliferated low Earth orbit communications constellation.
Airforce TechnologySpaceX Wins $4.16B U.S. Space Force Contract for Satellite Network to Track Airborne Threats
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract to develop the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) network, a satellite constellation designed to detect and track airborne threats worldwide from orbit. Announced by Space Systems Command on May 29, 2026, the program aims to reduce reliance on vulnerable aircraft-based surveillance systems like AWACS in contested airspace. SB-AMTI will combine advanced space sensors, secure communications, and ground processing to provide persistent global coverage for air and missile defense. The contract was awarded through a competitive Other Transaction Authority agreement, with SpaceX receiving the first major award under a broader vendor pool framework that includes traditional and non-traditional defense companies. The program addresses growing challenges from adversary anti-access/area-denial systems, long-range air defenses, electronic warfare, and anti-satellite capabilities.
"site:armyrecognition.com" - Google NewsPentagon’s Plans To Track Aircraft From Orbit Accelerated With New $4B SpaceX Deal
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion deal to accelerate development of a space-based air moving-target indicator (AMTI) sensor network, aiming for an early operational capability by 2028. This satellite constellation would provide persistent global surveillance of airborne targets, potentially reducing reliance on traditional airborne early warning and control aircraft like the E-7 Wedgetail. The program, known as SB-AMTI, is intended to counter advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The deal comes after the Pentagon abandoned plans to cancel E-7 purchases following congressional intervention, but the long-term goal remains shifting AMTI tasks to space. Prototype sensors have reportedly been tested in orbit for at least a year under classified programs.
The War ZonePentagon’s Plans To Track Aircraft From Orbit Accelerated With New $4B SpaceX Deal
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion deal to accelerate development of a space-based Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) satellite constellation, aiming for an early operational capability by 2028. This program, known as SB-AMTI, is designed to track aircraft from orbit, potentially reducing reliance on traditional airborne early warning and control aircraft like the E-7 Wedgetail and E-3 Sentry. The deal is structured as a competitive Other Transaction Authority agreement. While the Air Force continues with E-7 purchases after Congress intervened to reverse cancellation attempts, the long-term goal is to shift most AMTI tasks to space. The Space Force cited the need to counter sophisticated anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems as a key driver. Prototype sensor testing has been ongoing in classified programs, involving the Air Force, Space Force, and National Reconnaissance Office.
The War ZonePentagon’s Plans To Track Aircraft From Orbit Accelerated With New $4B SpaceX Deal
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion deal to accelerate development of a space-based air moving-target indicator (AMTI) sensor network, aiming for an early operational capability by 2028. This satellite constellation would provide persistent global surveillance of airborne targets, potentially reducing reliance on traditional airborne early warning and control aircraft like the E-7 Wedgetail. The program, known as SB-AMTI, is intended to counter advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The deal is structured as a competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement. While the Air Force is proceeding with E-7 purchases to replace aging E-3 Sentry AWACS jets, the long-term goal is to shift most AMTI tasks to space. Prototype sensor testing has been ongoing under classified programs involving the National Reconnaissance Office.
The War ZoneSpaceX awarded $4 billion Space Force contract to track airborne threats
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program to accelerate the deployment of a space-based sensor layer for tracking and targeting airborne threats globally. The contract aims to field a satellite constellation by 2028 to eliminate operational blind spots for the Joint Force, addressing challenges posed by adversaries' anti-access/area-denial systems. The Space Force plans to operate second- and third-generation SB-AMTI systems by 2035. The award uses a hybrid acquisition model combining Other Transaction Authority and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity approaches. Other vendors were selected but their identities withheld for national security. The Department of the Air Force's FY2027 budget seeks $7.06 billion for the program to expand high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Military TimesSpaceX awarded $4 billion Space Force contract to track airborne threats
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program to accelerate the delivery of a space-based sensor layer for tracking and targeting airborne threats globally. The contract aims to field a satellite constellation by 2028 to eliminate operational blind spots for the Joint Force, addressing challenges from adversary anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The Space Force plans to operate second- and third-generation SB-AMTI systems by 2035. The program uses a hybrid acquisition model combining Other Transaction Authority (OTA) with Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) approaches. Other vendors were selected but not disclosed for national security reasons. The Department of the Air Force's FY2027 budget requests $7.06 billion for SB-AMTI to expand high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Air Force TimesSpaceX awarded $4 billion Space Force contract to track airborne threats
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program to accelerate the deployment of a space-based sensor constellation for tracking and targeting airborne threats globally. The program aims to field an initial satellite constellation by 2028 to eliminate operational blind spots for the Joint Force, addressing challenges posed by adversary anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The contract uses a hybrid acquisition model combining Other Transaction Authority (OTA) with Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) approaches. SpaceX is one of multiple vendors selected, with others kept secret for national security reasons. The Space Force plans to issue additional awards in the next year and expects to operate second- and third-generation SB-AMTI systems by 2035. The Department of the Air Force's FY2027 budget request includes $7.06 billion for expanding the program's high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Military TimesSpaceX awarded $4 billion Space Force contract to track airborne threats
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program to accelerate the delivery of a space-based sensor layer for tracking and targeting airborne threats globally. The contract aims to field a satellite constellation by 2028 to eliminate operational blind spots for the Joint Force, addressing challenges from adversary anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The Space Force plans to operate second- and third-generation SB-AMTI systems by 2035. The award uses a hybrid acquisition model combining Other Transaction Authority and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity approaches. Other vendors were selected but identities withheld for national security. The Department of the Air Force's FY2027 budget requests $7.06 billion for SB-AMTI to expand high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Air Force TimesSpaceX awarded $4.16 billion Space Force contract for space-based airborne threat tracking
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program to accelerate the deployment of a space-based sensor layer for tracking and targeting airborne threats globally. The contract, announced by the Space Systems Command, aims to field a constellation of satellites by 2028 to eliminate operational blind spots for the Joint Force, addressing challenges posed by adversary anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The program uses a hybrid acquisition model combining Other Transaction Authority (OTA) with Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) approaches. SpaceX is one of multiple vendors selected, though other companies' identities and pricing remain classified for national security reasons. The Space Force expects to issue additional awards in the coming year to expand its vendor pool. The Department of the Air Force's FY2027 budget request includes $7.06 billion for the SB-AMTI program to expand high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Military TimesSpaceX awarded $4 billion Space Force contract to track airborne threats
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract under the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. The contract aims to accelerate the delivery of a space-based sensor layer to track and target airborne threats globally, addressing challenges from adversary anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. The constellation of satellites is projected to be fielded by 2028, with second- and third-generation systems expected by 2035. The Space Force is using a hybrid acquisition model and plans to expand its vendor pool with multiple awards in the next year. The FY2027 budget request includes $7.06 billion for the program to expand high-band radar coverage regionally and potentially globally.
Air Force TimesSpace Force Awards SpaceX $4.2 Billion Contract for Airborne Target Tracking Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract on May 29 to build a constellation of satellites capable of sensing and tracking airborne targets from orbit, under the Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication (AMTI) program. The satellites are scheduled for fielding by 2028, though the exact number was not specified. This award follows the selection of a vendor pool for the program, with SpaceX now confirmed as one participant. The Space Force has been working with the National Reconnaissance Office on prototypes to prove the viability of space-based tracking, traditionally done by ground radars and aircraft. The fiscal 2027 budget includes $7 billion for AMTI satellites and $1 billion for ground-moving target indication. This is SpaceX's second major Space Force contract in four days, following a $2.3 billion award for the Space Data Network. The military emphasized it will make multiple awards to ensure vendor diversity and competition.
Air & Space Forces MagazineSpace Force Awards SpaceX $4.2 Billion for Airborne Target Tracking Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract on May 29 to build a constellation of satellites capable of sensing and tracking airborne targets from orbit, under the Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication (AMTI) program. The satellites are scheduled for fielding by 2028, though the exact number was not specified. This follows the selection of a vendor pool for the program, with SpaceX now confirmed as one participant. The Space Force has been working with the National Reconnaissance Office on prototypes to prove the viability of space-based tracking, traditionally done by ground radars and aircraft. The fiscal 2027 budget includes $7 billion for AMTI satellites and $1 billion for ground-moving target indication. This contract is SpaceX's second major deal in four days, following a $2.3 billion award for the Space Data Network, and comes ahead of its planned IPO. The military emphasized it will pursue multiple awards to ensure vendor diversity.
Air & Space Forces MagazineSpace Force Awards SpaceX $4.2 Billion Contract for Airborne Target Tracking Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract on May 29 to build a constellation of satellites capable of sensing and tracking airborne targets from orbit, under the Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication (AMTI) program. The satellites are scheduled for fielding by 2028, though the exact number was not specified. The award follows successful prototype experiments conducted with the National Reconnaissance Office, which demonstrated the viability of space-based tracking. The Space Force's fiscal 2027 budget includes $7 billion for AMTI satellite procurement and $1 billion for ground-moving target indication. This contract is SpaceX's second major deal in four days, following a $2.3 billion award for the Space Data Network, and comes ahead of its planned IPO. The military emphasized it will pursue multiple awards to ensure vendor diversity and competition across the industrial base.
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