SpaceX Reportedly Building $1.8 Billion Spy Satellite Network for US Intelligence

By Thea Felicity

Mar 17, 2024 10:47 AM EDT

US-SPACE-AEROSPACE-SPACEX-STARSHIP — US billionaire businessman and pilot Jared Isaacman flies in formation aboard a fighter jet over the SpaceX Starship spacecraft, before his third test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 13, 2024. Elon Musk's SpaceX announced it was eyeing March 14 as the earliest date for the next test launch of its giant Starship rocket, with which it hopes to one day colonize Mars. Two previous attempts have ended in spectacular explosions, though the company has adopted a rapid trial-and-error approach in order to accelerate development.
(Photo : Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

According to information first disclosed by Reuters, SpaceX has begun working on a system of surveillance or "spy" satellites for the United States intelligence community.

The project, supported by a classified contract worth $1.8 billion with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), will deploy a large number of satellites equipped with advanced technology capable of capturing detailed images of the Earth.

This initiative is led by SpaceX's dedicated division, Starshield, to enhance the ability of the US government and military to detect and monitor potential targets worldwide quickly.

Everything To Know About SpaceX's "Spy" Satellite

The Verge reported that SpaceX's collaboration with NRO for the US intelligence satellite has already started in 2021.

For over three years, details have been kept a secret. But now, new reports are telling news outlets that SpaceX's part in creating a high-tech spy satellite system shows a big step forward in space-based spying-a enormous trust imposed on Musk's company despite allegations of working with Russia, according to VCPost.

Although it's unclear when it will happen or which other companies are involved, recent clues suggest that this project will have a big impact. People who know about the program say SpaceX has been secretly testing Starshield prototypes, which match what the public generally sees in a US space objects database.

This secret project for US intelligence shows how important SpaceX satellite's role will be in developing "more" high-tech space tools for national security.

Plus, this project isn't just about the military. It could also lead to amazing improvements in how we keep an eye on things from space.

For context, SpaceX's Starshield project fits perfectly with the company's big goal of changing how we explore space and developing new ideas. Led by SpaceX, creating this super-advanced satellite network is a huge step forward in how we gather intelligence and find out what's happening in different places.

No official announcement has been made by either SpaceX or the US government.

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