SpaceX received a $4.16 billion contract from the Pentagon to develop missile-tracking satellites as part of what has been described as President Donald Trump's planned "Golden Dome" defense system. The US Space Force announced the award on Friday, marking a significant expansion of SpaceX's government contracts.

The sensor-equipped satellites will be designed to detect and track targets from space, enhancing the military's missile defense capabilities. The contract represents one of the largest single awards to Elon Musk's aerospace company from the Department of Defense.

The satellite constellation is linked to broader missile defense initiatives that have been discussed as part of national security infrastructure improvements. The Space Force indicated that the satellites will provide enhanced surveillance and tracking capabilities for potential threats.

The contract award comes as SpaceX continues to expand its role in government and military space operations, building on its existing launch services and satellite deployment capabilities. The company has previously secured contracts for various defense and intelligence satellite missions.

The Golden Dome system represents an effort to create a comprehensive missile defense network using space-based assets. Details about the timeline for deployment and the specific technical capabilities of the satellites were not immediately disclosed in the initial announcement.