The success of SpaceX will enhance the United States' ability to quickly monitor potential targets anywhere in the world (Reuters)
Five informed sources told Reuters that SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites within the framework of a secret contract with a US intelligence agency, indicating close ties between the space company owned by billionaire businessman Elon Musk and national security agencies.
The sources added that SpaceX's Starshield unit is responsible for building the satellite network under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office, an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites.
The plans reveal the extent of SpaceX's participation in American intelligence and military projects, and illustrate the significant investment made by the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) in low-Earth orbit satellite systems, which aim to support ground forces.
The sources said that if the program succeeds, it will greatly enhance the ability of the US government and the US Army to quickly monitor potential targets almost anywhere in the world.
Reuters reports reveal for the first time that the SpaceX contract aims to build a powerful new spy system that includes hundreds of satellites that can image the Earth and can operate as a group in low orbits, and that the intelligence agency that cooperated with Musk's company is the National Reconnaissance Office.
The sources explained that satellites can track targets on the ground and share that data with American intelligence and military officials.
She added that this will initially allow the US government to quickly obtain images of activities occurring on the ground almost anywhere in the world, which will assist in intelligence and military operations.
Source: Reuters + websites