SpaceX to build missile detection satellites

SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles.

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SpaceX will build four missile detection satellites on behalf of US Defense.

While the Pentagon's Space Development Agency (SDA) issued a call for tenders for eight spacecraft, Elon Musk's firm won half of the contract, reports a

article

relayed by 

.

The other four machines will be built by L3Harris, more familiar with the defense industry.

The contract won by SpaxeX reached 149 million dollars (approximately 126 million euros) and that of its competitor 193.5 million dollars (164 million euros).

A constellation of satellites

For the SDA, a structure created in 2019, this involves developing a group of low Earth orbit satellites in order to constitute the American “Space Force”.

The satellites will be versatile.

Their task will be to detect ballistic missiles capable of carrying atomic charges and hypersonic missiles.

All the machines in the constellation will be equipped with infrared sensors with a wide field of view.

They will thus be able to follow any missile launches from Earth.

By communicating with relay satellites, they will transmit information in real time to all American bases around the world, explains 

.

These military devices must be delivered by the two companies in September 2022. A total of 28 satellites could be launched.

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