Media sources reveal that SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is engaged in building a network comprising hundreds of spy satellites for a classified contract with a US intelligence agency.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 14, 2022. Credits: NASA TV
The network project is being executed by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit, as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), responsible for managing spy satellites.
The move highlights SpaceX’s growing role in U.S. military and intelligence initiatives, reflecting the Pentagon’s increased investment in large low-Earth orbit satellite systems aimed at bolstering ground-based military forces.
According to sources, the program could potentially significantly improve the ability of the U.S. government and military to quickly identify potential targets around the world.
In February, the Wall Street Journal revealed the existence of a classified Starshield contract worth $1.8 billion with an undisclosed intelligence agency, although details regarding the program’s objectives were not disclosed. been provided.
Reuters revealed that the SpaceX contract is for a robust new spy system comprising hundreds of satellites equipped with Earth imaging capabilities, capable of operating collectively in low orbits.
Additionally, it was revealed that the intelligence agency collaborating with Musk’s company is the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). However, details regarding the deployment schedule of the new satellite network remain confidential and information regarding other companies involved in the program through their own contracts could not be verified.
According to the sources, the planned satellites have the ability to track ground targets and transmit the collected data to US military and intelligence authorities. This feature theoretically allows the U.S. government to quickly obtain continuous images of ground activities around the world.
Since 2020, around twelve prototypes have been launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, three sources revealed. These prototypes, which were deployed alongside other satellites, are confirmed by two sources to be part of the Starshield network.
It’s important to distinguish that the planned Starshield network is separate from Starlink, SpaceX’s expanding commercial broadband constellation of about 5,500 satellites. While Starlink aims to provide widespread Internet access to consumers, businesses and government entities, the classified constellation of spy satellites represents a highly coveted capability for the U.S. government in space.
Written by Alius Noreïka
Originally published in The European Times.
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