Starshield

SpaceX describes Starshield as a government offering for secure communications, Earth observation and hosted payloads; Reuters reported that Britain's communications service uses Starlink's constellation with dedicated terminals and separate ground gateways. SpaceX Reuters

Overview

Starshield encompasses spacecraft applications and government communications services: SpaceX advertises Earth observation, global secure communications and hosted payloads, while Reuters reported British military subscriptions using Starlink infrastructure. SpaceX Reuters SpaceX says the offering uses Starlink's technology, manufacturing and launch infrastructure, with mission-specific sensors and additional high-assurance cryptography. SpaceX Reuters reported that Britain's service uses Starlink's constellation, ground stations and terrestrial infrastructure, alongside dedicated terminals and separate ground gateways. Reuters Britain disclosed approximately 1,000 Starshield terminals, and New Zealand's Defence Force said it was trialling the service, Reuters reported in September 2026. Reuters U.S. Army reporting documents service use in August 2025, while the Space Force's separate Space Data Network Backbone award requires a fully operational prototype by the end of 2027. U.S. Army Air & Space Forces Magazine

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