SpaceX is developing a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract between billionaire Elon Musk’s space company and a U.S. intelligence agency, according to a report.
SpaceX is developing a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract between billionaire Elon Musk’s space company and a U.S. intelligence agency, according to a report.
The network is being built through SpaceX’s Starshield business unit as part of a $1.8 billion contract the company inked in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office, which manages spy satellites, five sources told Reuters.
The new spy system, which would feature hundreds of satellites with Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits, would provide the United States the most persistent, pervasive and rapid coverage of activities on Earth.
If successful, the program would boost the US government and military’s ability to quickly spot targets practically anywhere in the world.
“No one can hide,” one source said of the system’s potential capability when discussing its reach.
