U.S. Space Force Advances Space Data Network Backbone for Global Warfighter Connectivity

The U.S. Space Force is accelerating the development of the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone program, advancing a resilient, optically interconnected satellite constellation designed to provide secure, high-speed global data transport for the Joint Force.

 The acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting (SBST) is accelerating the development of the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone program. To advance this critical capability, the Space Force has competitively awarded a $2.29 billion Firm-Fixed-Price Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement delivery order to the SpaceX company for the SDN Backbone. This effort accelerates the delivery of a resilient, high-speed communications network in space, serving as a foundational data backhaul layer for the USSF SDN Force Design.

“The SDN Backbone leverages the best of commercial innovation and delivers a strong foundation for the SDN mission set – a huge benefit and enabler for our warfighters,” said USSF Col. Ryan Frazier, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for SBST. “The SDN Backbone supports the broader SDN, which acts as a core communications layer for the USSF warfighting systems, ensuring our sensors and shooters are connected continuously, globally and securely.

The SDN Backbone is a pLEO satellite constellation which functions as an integrated network, providing robust, resilient, high-capacity, and low-latency data transport for the Joint Force. This award will enhance the network with an expanded optically interconnected mesh of satellites delivering world-wide tactical communications and broadband communication services. The OTA agreement requires the vendor to deliver a fully operational prototype capability by the end of 2027.

The advancement of the SDN Backbone is driven by a series of integrated technical efforts under the SDN architecture. To solve complex integration and architectural challenges, the Space Force recently established the SDN consortium to team with industrial partners. This collaborative consortium, which will expand its participants over the summer, is working across multiple vendors to deliver a unified network architecture and demonstrate advanced communication’s capabilities.

“Our acquisition strategy is designed to foster competition and broaden our industrial base,” said USSF Lt. Col. Fry, SDN Backbone system program manager. “We aren’t trading speed for scale; we are demanding both. By using rapid prototyping and Other Transaction Authorities, we are ensuring our advanced solutions are integrated and delivered to the warfighter as fast as possible.”

The SDN Backbone works alongside the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Transport Layer and will be responsible for high throughput, low latency data backhaul. Current acquisition efforts between SDN Backbone and SDA’s Transport layer come together to evolve capabilities and build out the LEO portions of the SDN hybrid mesh data network. Together, these systems will form a unified and open architecture to provide critical data transport for current and future Department of War missions.

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations. For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil.