Starshield, the satellite service associated with SpaceX, has begun providing secure communications, Earth observation, and hosted payloads for U.S. defense agencies including the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Space Force. The service uses advanced encryption and laser-linked networking, capabilities that, while enhancing national security, also bolster state surveillance capacities and may contribute to a more repressive state apparatus.

The US Space Force has awarded a $70 million contract to Starshield, a satellite network service associated with SpaceX, to support secure communications and space domain awareness for national security missions. The contract, which is expected to run through September 2024 with a one-year extension option, positions Starshield deeply within the military-industrial complex.

Starshield, affiliated with SpaceX, has secured a one‐year contract from the Pentagon valued at up to $70 million. The contract supports the deployment of secure satellite internet services tailored for military applications, featuring advanced technologies such as secure communications, customized satellite buses, and laser terminals for interoperability with military satellites.

Starshield, the secure satellite internet service associated with SpaceX, was awarded a $70 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to enhance its military satellite network capabilities, effective from September 1, 2023. The deal expands the company’s involvement in national security operations, raising concerns over corporate complicity with a militarized state apparatus.

On September 1, 2023, SpaceX secured a one‐year Pentagon contract valued at up to $70 million for its Starshield military communications network, a dedicated secure service leveraging the Starlink satellite constellation.