# Space Force Bridges Satellite Networks

The U.S. Space Force plans to use Space Exchange Point (SEP) satellites to bridge incompatible laser-communications standards between SpaceX’s Space Data Network Backbone and missile-warning constellations operated by the Space Development Agency and Space Systems Command. Five companies received SEP prototype awards on August 13, 2026, at $12 million per award, or $60 million total, with demonstrations planned for 2027. The proposed 12–13-satellite bridge is estimated to cost more than $100 million, while the broader interoperability effort could reach $1 billion.

- The prototype awards establish near-term work for Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems; companies should prepare for the planned 2027 demonstrations and associated technical evaluation.
- Contractors developing satellite communications, optical terminals, and networking systems should assess how their offerings can interoperate across the affected constellations and evolving interface standards.
- The estimated scale of the wider effort points to potential follow-on deployment, integration, and standards work. The Space Data Network Backbone, a $2.29 billion SpaceX contract awarded in May 2026, is a key network involved in the interoperability challenge.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- Space Development Agency (SDA)
- Space Systems Command (SSC)

### Vendors
- Amazon LEO for Government (SEP prototype awardee)
- Lockheed Martin (SEP prototype awardee)
- Northrop Grumman (SEP prototype awardee)
- Rocket Lab (SEP prototype awardee)
- York Space Systems (SEP prototype awardee)

### Sources
- [Key Space Force satellites can't talk to each other, likely requiring $1B solution: Sources - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/key-space-force-satellites-cant-talk-to-each-other-likely-requiring-1b-solution-sources) - Breaking Defense