SpaceX’s Starshield Has More Than $6 Billion in U.S. Contracts

SpaceX’s Starshield government network uses the satellite infrastructure behind Starlink, adding secure equipment and services for national-security missions as renewed attention centers on how the two systems differ.

Starshield is a government network built using technology and launch capacity that also support Starlink. Its work ranges from observing Earth and providing secure communications for government customers to hosting specialized equipment aboard satellites.

Hosted payloads let customers place mission-specific equipment on satellites. Starshield also offers dedicated terminals and cryptographic features designed for classified information. Starshield satellites can carry different equipment and use laser links to connect with other spacecraft.

Starlink, by contrast, is a broad satellite internet service for consumers and businesses, with civilian and defense uses. Starshield draws on Starlink’s satellite network while adding equipment and security features for government customers.

Starlink reaches more than 160 countries, territories and markets. Residential plans start at $55 a month, and downloads can exceed 400 megabits per second in most locations, illustrating the commercial network’s broad reach alongside Starshield’s government missions.

On Wednesday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk drew another distinction, saying the commercial Starlink service is for civilian or defensive use and excludes offensive military operations. Ukraine-related restrictions have also renewed attention to the systems and questions over who can set limits on their use.

Starshield work includes more than $6 billion in multiyear U.S. government contracts. Most of the work is tied to two Space Force contracts covering communications and sensing satellite constellations in low Earth orbit.

The Ukraine dispute has focused attention on who controls Starshield’s operating limits. Musk has said the U.S. government owns and controls the system, with the military and ultimately the president deciding any restrictions. TokenPost previously covered the dispute over who sets Starshield’s limits.