NEW DELHI: SpaceX, is reportedly engaged in a project with a US intelligence agency, aiming to construct a vast network of spy satellites, Reuters reported. The project, valued at $1.8 billion, is being developed under a classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), responsible for managing spy satellites.
According to sources familiar with the program, the satellite network, led by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit, aims to enhance the US government and military’s surveillance capabilities.If successful, it could significantly advance their ability to identify potential targets worldwide rapidly. The collaboration underscores the deepening ties between SpaceX and national security agencies, despite previous controversies surrounding Elon Musk’s interactions with the Biden administration and the use of SpaceX’s technology in conflicts like the one in Ukraine.
Details of the project have emerged through Reuters reporting, revealing that the network comprises hundreds of satellites equipped with Earth-imaging capabilities, designed to operate in low orbits. These satellites will enable continuous monitoring of activities on the ground, providing crucial data to intelligence and military officials.
While SpaceX has not commented on the specifics of the contract or its role, the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop sophisticated satellite systems but declined to confirm Reuters’ findings about SpaceX’s involvement.
The project represents a significant investment in space-based surveillance technology, aligning with the Pentagon’s efforts to expand capabilities in low-Earth orbit. It also reflects the escalating competition in space between the US and its rivals, particularly China and Russia.
The network’s design aims for resilience against potential attacks from sophisticated adversaries, with plans to incorporate advanced imaging sensors and inter-satellite communication using lasers. Despite the classified nature of the project, the development signals a significant milestone in the evolution of space-based intelligence gathering, with implications for national security and defense strategies.
With inputs from agencies.
