SpaceX Starship rocket [AP=Yonhap News]

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion (approximately 3.4 trillion won) contract to build the core infrastructure for its "Golden Dome" next-generation aerial missile defense system, Reuters reported on the 26th (local time).

According to the report, the contract involves establishing a high-speed satellite communication network that connects military sensors and weapon platforms worldwide.

This includes the construction of the Space Data Network (SDN) backbone. The SDN backbone is a network architecture that provides high-capacity, low-latency data transmission for the military.

Specifically, the SDN backbone will provide communication paths to transmit data from missile warning and tracking sensors to interceptor systems in near real-time. This is considered a key component of the Trump administration's Golden Dome project.

SpaceX is expected to deliver a fully operational SDN prototype by the end of next year.

Colonel Ryan Frasier, program director for the Space Force, stated, "The SDN backbone leverages cutting-edge commercial innovation to provide a robust foundation for mission execution of the SDN. This will significantly enhance warfighter capabilities."

Previously, U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein stated at a Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittee hearing last month that $22.9 billion (approximately 33.7 trillion won) has been allocated to the Golden Dome project so far, with the total cost estimated at approximately $185 billion (approximately 272.8 trillion won) by the completion of Golden Dome in 2035.