SpaceX signed a $1.8 billion contract in 2021 to develop a network of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency, Reuters reports. AP AP (Associated Press)
According to a new Reuters report, ties between SpaceX and US security agencies are closer than previously known.
The space company concluded a contract worth the equivalent of 1.65 billion euros with a US secret service in 2021.
Under the terms of the contract, SpaceX will build a network of spy satellites, reports Reuters news agency.
This is a machine translation of an article from our US colleagues at Business Insider. It was automatically translated and checked by a real editor.
A new one „Reuters“-Message According to SpaceX, its ties to US security authorities are much closer than previously known.
The space company concluded a contract worth 1.8 billion US dollars, the equivalent of 1.65 billion euros, with an American secret service in 2021. Specifically, the aim is to create a network of spy satellites, the news agency reports, citing five sources familiar with the program.
SpaceX is building the satellite network in collaboration with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the agency responsible for managing spy satellites. Once completed, it will provide the US military and intelligence agencies with expanded capabilities to identify targets around the world, Reuters reported.
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New details about cooperation between US authorities and SpaceX
“The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen,” an agency spokesperson told the agency.
A source familiar with the program also told Reuters that the system’s capabilities will allow “no one to hide.”
The Wall Street Journal reported in February the existence of the $1.8 billion contract between SpaceX and an intelligence agency, but did not elaborate on the terms of the agreement. SpaceX representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
SpaceX’s connections to the US national security forces have long been known. But the Reuters report sheds new light on the depths of the company’s ties to American intelligence and military powers.
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In 2022, the of Elon Musk led space company presented its “Starshield” satellites. They are specifically designed for government purposes and offer a higher level of data security and end-to-end encryption.
The company has also provided satellite connectivity for the armed forces in Ukraine. Additionally, U.S. officials have pushed SpaceX to provide services to the armed forces in Taiwan.
Musk’s power and growing influence in the area of national security have drawn criticism. They argue that his erratic and unpredictable behavior and his alleged drug use pose a high risk to US secret services if the state invests in Musk’s company.
Read the original article Business Insider.