To add details about the Golden Dome system

May 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. Space Force said on Friday it had awarded Elon Musk's SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract as part of a program to detect and track aerial threats from space.

The Advanced Space Moving Target Index (ASTI) program is designed to be a system that links a number of systems, combining space sensors, secure communication links and ground processing to enhance cooperation across the government's space industry base.

The missile defense system (Golden Dome), launched by the administration of US President Donald Trump, consists of multiple layers, one of which is a detection and tracking layer. Satellites are expected to play a role in tracking the missiles.

The “Golden Dome” aims to expand the range of ground interception, sensing and command systems, with the addition of space satellites to monitor and track aerial threats and possibly counter these threats, including weapons that are still under discussion in orbit.

The Space Force said there are several companies within the program's supplier pool, including SpaceX, which plans an initial public offering, and that it will issue several contracts next year.

She added in a statement, "This initial contract is expected to lead to the launch of a constellation of satellites by 2028, providing joint forces with an early capability to eliminate blurred points in operations."

SpaceX, which earlier this month revealed its plans for an initial public offering, is targeting a valuation of more than $1.75 trillion.

A few days ago, the Air Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network to connect military sensors and weapons platforms globally.