SpaceX builds spy satellite network for US intelligence
American billionaire Elon Musk (photo: Getty Images)
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with the US intelligence agency.
According to the sources, the network is being built by SpaceX's Starshield business unit as part of a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office, the intelligence agency that operates spy satellites.
The source notes that if successful, this program will significantly expand the ability of the US government and military to quickly identify potential targets almost anywhere in the world.
Anonymous sources say that the contract shows the intelligence agency's growing confidence in the company, whose owner has been at odds with the Biden administration and has caused controversy.
Reuters was unable to determine when the new satellite network will be launched and was unable to find out what other companies are participating in the program under their own contracts.
Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that former US President Donald Trump met with billionaire CEO of Tesla Inc and SpaceX Elon Musk in Florida.
As noted in the media, Trump is seeking large cash injections for his election campaign.
According to journalists, in this regard, on March 3, Trump met with billionaire Elon Musk and a number of wealthy Republican donors.
Later, Musk announced that he was not donating money to any presidential candidate in the United States.
