China's official military newspaper PLA Daily issued a warning on June 15, 2026, about the accelerating militarization of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, highlighting SpaceX's role in supporting US military space programs [1, 2]. The commentary expressed concern that the US is increasingly treating space as a warfighting domain by expanding military capabilities through commercial satellite networks like SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield units [2].
Low Earth Orbit constellations, operating roughly 300km to 1,500km above Earth, are critical for communications and navigation [1]. PLA Daily described how the United States leverages its technological lead and mature commercial satellite ecosystem to boost the military use of these systems, calling this "the era of the militarised application of low-orbit constellations" arriving at an "accelerated pace" [1].
The commentary warned such militarized cooperation risks destabilizing the strategic balance and undermining international arms control efforts in space [2]. They flagged the growing partnership between SpaceX and the US Space Force as a concrete example. SpaceX's Starshield unit began a formal partnership with the US Space Force in September 2023 under the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit program, providing customized satellite communications for military branches on a one-year contract [2].
In May 2026, SpaceX secured a new $2.29 billion contract from the US Space Force to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network linking military sensors and weapons platforms worldwide [2]. This contract underscores the expanding role of commercial satellite constellations in US military space strategy.
The PLA Daily commentary was authored by Feng Songjiang and Wang Xiaoyan, who highlighted the US reliance on its first-mover advantages and advanced commercial ecosystem to further militarize low-orbit satellite use [1]. The warnings come amid intensified US efforts to integrate space more directly into military operations.
The PLA Daily statement points to a growing concern in Beijing about the stability of space security as the US links commercial and military satellite capabilities. The next relevant step will be the continuation and possible expansion of SpaceX’s contract with the US Space Force, which may shape future space-based military communications capabilities [2].
