SpaceX is building a network of spy satellites – 03/17/2024 – Science

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a secret contract with a US intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the program said. The plan indicates the deepening of ties between billionaire businessman Elon Musk’s space company and North American national security agencies.

The network is being built by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, the sources said.

The plans show the extent of SpaceX’s involvement in U.S. military and intelligence projects and illustrate a deeper Pentagon investment in vast systems of low-Earth orbit satellites intended to support ground forces.

If the program is successful, sources said it would significantly increase the ability of the U.S. government and military to quickly identify potential targets virtually anywhere in the world.

The contract also signals growing confidence by U.S. government intelligence in a company whose owner has clashed with the Biden administration and sparked controversy over the use of Starlink satellite connectivity in the Ukraine War, the sources said.

The Wall Street Journal reported in February the existence of a confidential $1.8 billion Starshield contract with an unknown intelligence agency, without detailing the program’s objectives.

Reuters was unable to confirm when the new satellite network will come into operation or which other companies are part of the program.

SpaceX, the world’s largest satellite operator, did not respond to requests for comment about the contract, its role in it and details about satellite launches. The Pentagon referred the request for comment to the NRO and SpaceX.

In a statement, the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system and its partnerships with other government agencies, companies, research institutions and nations, but declined to comment on Reuters’ findings on the extent of SpaceX’s involvement.

“The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen,” said a spokesperson.

The satellites can track targets on the ground and share that data with U.S. intelligence and military authorities, the sources said.

In principle, this would allow the US government to quickly capture continuous footage of activities on the ground virtually anywhere in the world, aiding military and intelligence operations, they added.

About a dozen prototypes have been launched since 2020, among other satellites, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, three of the sources said.

All sources asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to discuss the U.S. government program.