Ilona Maska’s SpaceX is developing a network of spy satellites for the US government – Haber.ba

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A US intelligence agency has struck a deal with SpaceX to develop a network of spy satellites in a deal worth $1.8 billion, Reuters reports, seemingly confirming reports suggesting billionaire Elon Musk’s company is increasingly doing business with the US government. . The information comes amid speculation that Russia is illegally using Starlink satellites in its war with Ukraine.

Cluster in low orbit

The National Oversight Office (NRO) has closed a contract with SpaceX’s Starshield program in 2021 to develop hundreds of spy satellites for the agency, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the program.

The satellites will have Earth-imaging capabilities and will be able to operate as a low-orbit swarm, allowing the U.S. to track targets on Earth and share data with U.S. intelligence and military officials, the sources said.

According to some sources, about a dozen satellite prototypes have been launched since 2020.

The NRO confirmed to Reuters that the agency is developing the satellite system in partnership with other government agencies, companies, research institutions and other countries, although it did not confirm SpaceX’s involvement.

Neither NRO nor SpaceX immediately responded to requests for comment.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that SpaceX had entered into a contract with a US intelligence agency in 2021, although the details of the contract are not yet known. Company documents suggest that SpaceX is developing a satellite program called Starshield, which would complement national security efforts.

Earth observation

The company’s website says that Starshield is being developed for “government needs”, with a focus on “Earth observation” and global communications. SpaceX President Gwynn Shotwell said last year that there was “very good cooperation” between the company and the “intelligence community.” The Department of Defense has previously used SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets to launch military payloads into space, Forbes writes.

– SpaceX is under investigation for the alleged use of the company’s Starlink Internet terminal in the war with Ukraine – said two Democrats from the House of Representatives earlier this month. Reps. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., wrote a letter to the company expressing concern that it had not implemented “appropriate safeguards and policies” to prevent Russia from using Starlink’s Internet service.

Raskin and Garcia said the investigation would be conducted by the Pentagon and other government agencies. SpaceX and Musk have denied claims that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia, suggesting that reports to the contrary are “categorically false.” The investigation follows claims by Ukraine’s intelligence agency, which cited intercepted conversations between Russian forces in eastern Ukraine that suggested Starlink terminals were installed to establish Internet access. Avaz.

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