SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the program said, demonstrating deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's space company and national security agencies.
The network is being built by SpaceX's Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, the sources said.
SpaceX, the world's largest satellite operator, did not respond to several requests for comment about the contract, its role in it and details on satellite launches.
The satellites can track targets on the ground and share that data with U.S. intelligence and military officials, the sources said.
The spy satellites will house sensors provided by another company, three of the sources said.
Persons:
Jared Isaacman, Elon, SpaceX's, Biden, Tesla
Organizations:
SpaceX, National Reconnaissance Office, Street, NRO, Reuters, Pentagon, ., U.S ., U.S, U.S . Space Force, CIA
Locations:
Starbase, Boca Chica , Texas, Ukraine, U.S, Starlink, Russia, China