Satellites launched by Elon Musk have become common in the night sky. But his next set may be top-secret.
Knewz.com has learned about a project that reportedly combines SpaceX rockets with the National Reconnaissance Office in the United States Defense Department.
SpaceX may have received a contract in 2021 to develop hundreds of spy satellites that can fly in a low orbit around Earth and take detailed photos. The project costs $1.8 billion.
The U.S. Sun quoted an NRO spokesperson Tuesday, March 19 as saying the office is “developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen.”
It’s unclear how far along the project is, or whether any satellites for NRO are in orbit right now. But Tech Report website claims 12 prototypes have been put in orbit in recent years.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the agreement in February, with SpaceX saying the government money was “expected to become an important part of its revenue mix.”
Starshield received a $70 million contract from the Defense Department in August 2023 to provide communication services.
SpaceX is not commenting on the new project. But its website admits to doing “ongoing work with the Department of Defense,” including the launch of military satellites.
SpaceX has a branch called Starshield, which began in 2022 with a mission posted online to “support national security.” That includes a “secured satellite network for government entities” involving “classified payloads.”
The Gizmodo website quoted a Reuters report as saying there’s “intensifying competition” among nations for military control of space.
The People’s Liberation Army in China is urging companies not to cooperate with any satellite project like the reported one with Starshield, claiming it is a threat to all other countries.
Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in September 2023 that Starshield “will be owned by the U.S. government and controlled by… Space Force,” while the Starlink satellite program is kept for civilian internet use.
“This is the right order of things,” Musk added.
Yet Musk openly has disagreed with U.S. government policies, including support for Ukraine against Russian attacks. Knewz.com reported in September 2023 about Musk shutting down Starlink connections with Ukraine during a counterattack in Crimea.
Another disagreement has occurred over Asia.
The Tech Times website reports U.S. officials want to use Starshield to help Taiwan against threats from mainland China. But Knewz.com reported Musk has compared Taiwan and Beijing to Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
But RadarOnline has noted Russian media hosts consider Musk a “war criminal” for donating Starlink satellite terminals to Ukraine.
Starlink has more than 5,500 satellites in a low orbit around Earth now, with eventual plans for 42,000.
The post Musk to Launch Hundreds of SpaceX Spy Satellite in Secret Deal With U.S. Military Project Costing $1.8 Billion appeared first on Knewz.
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Author: Richard Burkard
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