SpaceX wins over $4 billion contract from the US Department of Defense to build a satellite tracking system for Trump's "Space Fence" defense program.

SpaceX has won a US defense contract worth over $4 billion to build a satellite tracking system for the "Golden Dome" missile defense program promoted by President Trump, which will be used to monitor foreign aircraft and missile activities. According to a statement released by the US Space Force on Friday, this space-based tracking network will integrate space sensors, communication systems, and AI-driven ground data processing capabilities to monitor and alert real-time threats from orbit. The deployment of capabilities in space is expected to eliminate the "blind spots" in the traditional monitoring system, which mainly relies on ground radars and military aircraft for airspace surveillance. The contract amount for this project is as high as $4.16 billion, further highlighting SpaceX's deepening relationship with the US Department of Defense and its core position in the "Golden Dome" program. "Golden Dome" aims to establish a new generation of national security protection network for the US through a multi-layer defense system covering from Earth to space. According to previous media reports, SpaceX has been involved in developing a space interceptor prototype for the project and has joined a software alliance of multiple companies responsible for building the core operating system required for the "Golden Dome" operation. In addition to the missile defense project, SpaceX is also collaborating with the US Space Force to develop a military communication network based on its "Starshield" platform. "Starshield" is the military version of its satellite internet system "Starlink," providing encrypted and secure communication services. Furthermore, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket continues to launch key national security satellites for the US Department of Defense. In March of this year, General Michael Guetlein, in charge of the "Golden Dome" project, stated that the budget for the first phase of the defense system had been increased to $185 billion to expedite the research and development progress. According to the plan, "Golden Dome" is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2028 before the end of Trump's term. It is noteworthy that the contract awarded to SpaceX this time utilized the "Other Transaction Authority" rapid procurement mechanism. This mechanism aims to reduce administrative obstacles in the traditional government procurement process, accelerate technology deployment, and encourage commercial companies to participate in defense projects. The US Space Force announced that more commercial suppliers will be involved in the project in the future, and more contract awards will be announced later this year. A spokesperson for Air Force Space Command stated that SpaceX was awarded the contract because of its competitive bidding in the field of "space dynamic target tracking technology." At the same time, the market is also closely watching SpaceX's capital market movements. Sources revealed that SpaceX is preparing to advance its IPO plans in the coming weeks, aiming for a valuation of at least $1.8 trillion. Once successfully listed, SpaceX is expected to become one of the world's highest-valued technology and aerospace companies.