The content is provided for information purposes only.
SpaceX is building a spy satellite network for US, news agency says
Written by Copernical Team Monday, 18 March 2024 14:00-
font size
decrease font size
increase font size
Write a comment
Elon Musk's SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, Reuters reported, citing five people familiar with the program.
SpaceX's Starshield business unit is building the network as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office, Reuters said. The new spy system comprises of hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits, according to the news agency.
The contract signals a strengthening relationship between the billionaire's space company and the US government's national security agencies, Reuters said.
SpaceX and the NRO did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent after regular business hours. The NRO said last year that it planned to quadruple its orbiting spacecraft by 2033.
2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Citation: SpaceX is building a spy satellite network for US, news agency says (2024, March 18) retrieved 18 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-03-spacex-spy-satellite-network-news.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission.