SpaceX Lands $4.16B Deal From US Space Force For Satellite Threat-Tracking System

• The contract will accelerate the development of SpaceX’s space-based sensor system under the SB-AMTI program.
• It will use satellites, secure communications, and ground systems to improve real-time military tracking by 2028.
• The deal adds to a recent $2.29 billion contract, expanding SpaceX’s role in US defense space projects.

SpaceX has been awarded a $4.16-billion contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop a space-based system for tracking airborne threats. The deal will accelerate the deployment of a satellite sensing network designed to monitor and identify aerial threats globally, Space Force’s Space Systems Command said on Friday. 

System Aims To Improve Global Airborne Threat Tracking

The deal with Elon Musk’s aerospace company is part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. The program will use space-based sensors, secure communications and ground systems to improve how the military tracks airborne targets.

The Space Force said the system will provide continuous, global tracking of aerial threats to support the Joint Force. The contract was awarded by the Space Force’s Space-Based Sensing & Targeting acquisition office.

SpaceX’s Role In Golden Dome Defense Program

The Space Force said several companies, including SpaceX, are part of the SB-AMTI vendor pool, with multiple contracts expected to be awarded over the coming year.

The $4.16-billion deal highlights SpaceX’s growing role with the Pentagon and its involvement in the broader Golden Dome defense framework, which is designed as a layered system spanning ground and space to protect the U.S. from attacks.

SpaceX Working On Military Satellites, Interceptors

SpaceX, which is targeting a valuation of over $1.75 trillion in its IPO, is already working on prototypes of space-based interceptors for the program and is part of a multi-company software group building the system’s core operating layer, reported Bloomberg.

The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29-billion contract earlier this week to build a secure satellite network connecting military systems worldwide, improving defense communications.

SpaceX’s IPO Roadshow Expected Next Week

SpaceX is expected to begin its IPO roadshow for institutional investors next week, reported Reuters. The share sale is likely to start on June 11, 2026, with some reports indicating pricing could take place on June 12.

In the past 12 months, the Procure ETF Trust II - Procure Space ETF (UFO) has gained over 165%, while the ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) is up nearly 80%. The Listed Funds Trust - Spear Alpha ETF (SPRX) rose 101% and the Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) is up 45%. 

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