Elon Musk Building Worlds Most Advanced Spy Satellite Swarm Network for US Gov
"SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, 5 sources familiar with the program said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies," reports Reuters.
- "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 National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen," a spokesperson said.
- "If successful, the sources said the program would significantly advance the ability of the U.S. government and military to quickly spot potential targets almost anywhere on the globe."
""No one can hide," one of the sources said of the system’s potential capability, when describing the network's reach."
- "The classified constellation of spy satellites represents one of the U.S. government’s most sought-after capabilities in space because it is designed to offer the most persistent, pervasive and rapid coverage of activities on Earth."
"The planned Starshield network is separate from Starlink, SpaceX's growing commercial broadband constellation that has about 5,500 satellites in space to provide near-global internet to consumers, companies and government agencies."
- "Reuters was unable to determine when the new network of satellites would come online and could not establish what other companies are part of the program with their own contracts."
