- The project could enhance the US government and military's ability to spot potential targets globally.
- Despite requests for comment, SpaceX has not responded.
- The NRO acknowledges its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system.
The network, managed by SpaceX's Starshield business unit, is being built under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency responsible for managing spy satellites, according to the sources.
The plans reveal the extent of SpaceX's involvement in US intelligence and military projects and highlight a deeper Pentagon investment into vast, low-Earth orbiting satellite systems aimed at supporting ground forces.
According to the sources, if successful, the program would significantly enhance the ability of the US government and military to quickly spot potential targets almost anywhere on the globe.
The contract indicates a growing trust by the intelligence establishment in a company whose owner has clashed with the Biden administration and sparked controversy over the use of Starlink satellite connectivity in the Ukraine war, according to the sources.
In February, The Wall Street Journal reported the existence of a $1.8 billion classified Starshield contract with an undisclosed intelligence agency without specifying the purposes of the program.
Reuters reporting reveals for the first time that the SpaceX contract is for a powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits. It also discloses that the spy agency collaborating with Musk's company is the NRO.
Reuters could not determine when the new network of satellites would come online and could not establish what other companies are part of the program with their own contracts.
Despite several requests for comment about the contract, its role in it, and details on satellite launches, SpaceX, the world's largest satellite operator, did not respond. The Pentagon redirected a request for comment to the NRO and SpaceX.
In a statement, the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system and its partnerships with other government agencies, companies, research institutions, and nations. However, it declined to comment on Reuters' findings about the extent of SpaceX’s involvement in the effort.
"The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen," a spokesperson said.
[embedpost slug="spacex-falcon-heavy-launches-secretive-us-military-drone-on-mysterious-mission/"]
