EndlessPlaid

The U.S. Space Force has announced that it has awarded @SpaceX a big $2.29 billion contract to build the new “Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone” - a next-generation military satellite communications network in low Earth orbit (Starshield). The system will function as a secure, high-speed global data transport layer for the U.S. military, connecting sensors, weapons systems, satellites, aircraft, drones, and missile defense systems worldwide. This is not Starlink. SpaceX also operates a separate government-focused division called Starshield, which uses a different satellite network than Starlink. Starshield uses additional high-assurance cryptographic capability to host classified payloads and process data securely. According to the Space Force, the network will provide: • Low-latency global communications • Optical inter-satellite links • High-capacity tactical data transport • A resilient mesh satellite constellation • Worldwide military broadband connectivity The OTA agreement requires fully operational prototype capability by the end of 2027.

American Airlines has just officially announced that they are adopting SpaceX's @Starlink! American is the largest airline in the world by passenger volume (225 million), and 2nd in fleet size. Installations begin Q1 2027. Over 500 of its narrowbody aircraft will get Starlink. “As a premium global airline, we are continuously seeking out world-class partners like Starlink to deliver what our customers need and want,” said American Airlines Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden.

Join us today for a live event where we'll share our @NASAMoonBase plans! At 2pm ET (1800 UTC), we'll update you on our progress toward a long-term presence on the Moon. Watch right here on X.

NASA has just launched a new website for its Moon Base missions, which aims to build a permanent $20 billion U.S. base on the Moon. @SpaceX's Starship rocket will play a big role in these missions. "The Moon Base is a home away from Earth for Artemis astronauts who will live and work at humanity’s first lunar outpost. NASA is leading global teams of innovators across international space agencies, industry, and academia to build the Moon Base and establish an enduring human presence near the lunar South Pole for the benefit of all. Phase One (Now–2029): Experiment and Learn NASA will begin with a rapid series of robotic missions to scout the lunar South Pole region, test technologies, and prepare for surface operations ahead of future astronaut missions.: • A major increase in lunar activity, with up to 25 missions, including 21 landings. • Crewed and autonomous rovers for mobility demonstrations and surface preparation, along with four drones known as MoonFall and communications relay and observation satellites. • Early demonstrations of power, navigation, communications, and nuclear radioisotope heater unit technologies designed to endure the long lunar night. • Scientific payload opportunities integrated across landers and rovers. • The first tangible footprint of Moon Base effort, with four tons of payload delivered to test what works on the lunar surface. Phase Two (2029–2032): Early Habitation By 2029, NASA will transition to assembling semi-permanent infrastructure and initiating early habitation and logistics operations: • Deployment of expanded solar power systems and initial nuclear surface power capabilities, potentially including fission reactors and radioisotope power systems. • Upgraded rovers, potential advanced MoonFall drones, and early habitation elements. • Enhanced surface-to-orbit communications networks to provide reliable connectivity across the lunar South Pole region. • Delivery of up to 60 tons of cargo through as many as 24 landings using low-, medium-, and heavy-class cargo landers. Phase Three (2032 and Beyond): Sustained Human Presence This phase will scale operations to achieve a true enduring presence, with routine crew rotations and continuous surface activity. This is when living and working on the Moon becomes a reality: • Semi-permanent habitation modules with spacious interior for crew living and operations. • Operational fission surface power systems capable of delivering steady, reliable energy through the long lunar nights, leveraging in situ resource manufacturing. • Advanced logistics networks supported by crewed and autonomous rovers to keep the base supplied and functioning year-round. • Delivery of up to 38 tons of cargo annually to sustain habitats, power systems, logistics operations, and major science outposts, enabled by low-cost reusable heavy-lift capabilities." Moon base website: nasa.gov/moonbase/