An uncaptioned image posted on the company’s website appears to show Starshield technology in orbit-SpaceX
Washington - SpaceX is engaged in the construction of a network of hundreds of surveillance satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, according to five sources familiar with the program, reported Reuters.
The development brings to light the collaboration between Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies.
The network, being developed by SpaceX's Starshield business unit, operates under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), responsible for managing spy satellites, the sources revealed.
This initiative underscores SpaceX's increasing involvement in U.S. intelligence and military initiatives, demonstrating a substantial Pentagon investment in expansive, low-Earth orbit satellite systems aimed at supporting ground forces.
If successful, the program is expected to significantly enhance the U.S. government and military's ability to rapidly identify potential targets across the globe. The contract reflects growing confidence from the intelligence community in a company whose owner has previously clashed with the Biden administration over issues such as the use of Starlink satellite connectivity in the Ukraine conflict.
Reuters' reporting reveals for the first time that the SpaceX contract is for a powerful new spy system comprising hundreds of satellites equipped with Earth-imaging capabilities. These satellites will operate collectively in low orbits, forming a swarm to facilitate surveillance activities. The intelligence agency collaborating with Musk's company is confirmed to be the NRO.
Details regarding the timeline for the deployment of the new satellite network and the involvement of other companies in the program remain undisclosed. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment on the contract, its role, or satellite launches, while the Pentagon referred inquiries to the NRO and SpaceX.
The NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system and its collaborative efforts but refrained from commenting specifically on Reuters' findings regarding SpaceX's level of involvement.
The satellites in question will be capable of tracking ground targets and relaying data to U.S. intelligence and military officials, providing continuous imagery of activities worldwide. Several prototypes have reportedly been launched since 2020 as part of SpaceX's Falcon 9 missions.
The Starshield network, distinct from SpaceX's commercial broadband constellation Starlink, aims to offer persistent, pervasive, and rapid coverage of Earth's activities, enhancing the U.S. government's remote sensing capabilities.