SDA Awards SpaceX Up to $12.7M for Satellite Laser Integration Study
The Space Development Agency awarded SpaceX an initial $9.9 million research and risk-reduction contract to evaluate integrating its Plug and Play Laser technology with missile-warning and tracking satellites. The work runs through October 7, 2027, and could inform future optical communications requirements, but no follow-on opportunity has been announced.
Key Signals
- SDA initially obligated $9.9M in FY2026 RDT&E funds for SpaceX’s Plaser integration study.
- Contract options could bring the award’s total value to $12.7M.
- Work is scheduled through October 7, 2027, in Hawthorne, California, and Redmond, Washington.
- Study scope may inform future optical terminal, integration, hardware, software, and transmission standards needs.
- No open solicitation or follow-on procurement opportunity has been announced.
In November 2026, the Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded SpaceX a research and risk-reduction contract to assess whether SpaceX’s Plug and Play Laser, or Plaser, optical communications technology can be integrated with missile-warning and tracking satellites. The award is valued at $9.9 million initially, with contract options that could increase its total value to $12.7 million. SDA initially obligated $9.9 million in FY2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds. The maximum value is not guaranteed and depends on the exercise of those options.
Agencies
- Space Development Agency
- United States Space Force
- United States Air Force
Vendors
- SpaceX
Locations
- Hawthorne, California
- Redmond, Washington
Sources
- SDA explores integration of SpaceX laser communication terminals with missile tracking sats - Breaking DefenseBreaking Defense · Nov 12
- SpaceX Lands SDA Contract for Laser Risk Reduction StudyExecutiveBiz · Nov 12
- Trillion-dollar company lands defense contract to develop laser technology for use in missile tracking - al.comAL.com · Nov 13