Pentagon Explores SpaceX Alternatives for Enhanced Space Force Satellite Program

WASHINGTON — The Air Force is rethinking its satellite plans for a military network in low Earth orbit. The funding pause for 2026 puts the spotlight on whether SpaceX’s Starshield satellites could offer the same benefits at a lower cost.

In the proposed 2026 budget, the Trump administration wants to halt the purchase of data-transport satellites crucial for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This program aims to create a secure communication and missile tracking system, managed by the Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA). A review could affect the procurement of up to 140 satellites planned for deployment by 2028.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, mentioned this potential change during a congressional hearing. He noted the need to explore alternative ways to deliver a low Earth orbit satellite network. “We are looking at options to see what will best meet our future requirements for data transport,” he said.

The PWSA is central to the Space Force’s strategy. It plans to deploy hundreds of satellites that can communicate with each other and provide missile tracking. The goal has been to keep costs down through competitive bidding among contractors for various satellite batches.

Saltzman reassured lawmakers that satellites already ordered for the first two tranches will proceed as planned.

One key alternative under review is SpaceX’s Starshield, a military version of its Starlink broadband satellites. This possibility first emerged in March, when Sen. Kevin Cramer questioned Air Force Secretary nominee Troy Meink about budget concerns regarding PWSA.

The idea is to replace Tranche 3 satellites with 480 Starshield satellites. SpaceX would operate these for the U.S. military, connecting them through optical laser links to form a hybrid mesh network of both military and commercial satellites.

Unlike the PWSA satellites, which have gone through competitive procurement, the Milnet satellites would be funded directly by the Space Force and acquired through an existing contract managed by the National Reconnaissance Office.

This potential shift has sparked concern among lawmakers about limiting competition in the defense space sector. Sen. Chris Coons brought this up during the hearing, worried that relying heavily on a single vendor, like SpaceX, could stifle innovation and options in satellite technology. “Handing this to SpaceX makes us dependent on their proprietary technology,” he said.

Meink stated no final decisions have been made regarding Milnet’s future role in data transport, indicating ongoing evaluations.

The potential cancellation of Transport Layer Tranche 3 could also hit satellite manufacturers hard. Many companies have invested significantly in capacity based on the promise of regular competitive opportunities within the PWSA framework. With a budget of around $5 billion for 2026, the SDA sees the program as vital for maintaining U.S. space dominance amid growing challenges.

Some industry insiders are questioning whether the Milnet and PWSA Transport Layer might overlap. Streamlining could simplify the Pentagon’s space framework but might also reduce vital competitive dynamics that have encouraged innovation in the sector.

As this situation unfolds, social media reactions highlight a mix of support and skepticism about the move toward a more integrated vendor approach. Discussions among tech experts and analysts continue to explore the long-term implications for U.S. military readiness and satellite technology innovation. Ultimately, how the Air Force navigates these options will shape the future of military communication in space.

For more insights on the topic, you can check the full details of the Pentagon’s planning through sources like the [SpaceForce.mil](https://www.spaceforce.mil) and [Defense.gov](https://www.defense.gov).

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