SpaceX creates spy satellites for US intelligence – Kommersant
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX is creating a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence, reports Reuters citing five knowledgeable sources. The secret contract worth $1.8 billion was signed back in 2021.
According to the agency, the contract was concluded between SpaceX’s Starshield division and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The sensors for the spy satellites will be provided by another company, its name has not been revealed. At the same time, according to sources, the Starshield project is not associated with the Starlink network, which includes 5.5 thousand satellites.
The satellite network should enhance the US military’s ability to quickly identify potential targets almost anywhere in the world. The US government will be able to quickly obtain real-time images of world events.
The National Reconnaissance Office has not confirmed the contract with SpaceX to the agency. At the same time, the company noted that the agency is working on “the most powerful, diverse and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen.”
On February 15, a closed briefing was held at the White House with members of Congress about a “serious threat to national security.” According to media reports, the discussion was about Russia’s development of an anti-satellite system. Vladimir Putin said that information about plans to place nuclear weapons in space is a ploy to be drawn into negotiations on US terms. On March 14 he ordered pay special attention to the creation of a nuclear power plant in space.
On the conditions for resuming the strategic dialogue between Russia and the United States – in the material “This is demagoguery”.
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