A 1.65 billion euro contract: how SpaceX is building a spy satellite network for American intelligence

SpaceX a signé un contrat classé défense avec une agence américaine de renseignement. MAXPPP – CRISTOBAL HERRERA

Il s'agit d'un réseau construit par la filiale Starshield en vertu d'un contrat de 1,8 milliard de dollars, soit 1,65 milliard d'euros. 

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified defense contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the program told Reuters, evidence of ;#39;a strengthening of ties between the American billionaire's space company and national security agencies.

The network is being built by SpaceX subsidiary Starshield under a $1.8 billion (€1.65 billion) contract concluded in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency that operates spy satellites, the sources added.

A system intended to support ground troops

This project shows how deeply SpaceX is involved in US intelligence and defense projects and illustrates the Pentagon's growing investment in a large low-orbit satellite system to support troops on the ground.

Elon Musk, also founder and CEO of the electric car manufacturer Tesla and owner of the social network administration of Joe Biden, anxious to see Starlink satellite communications in Ukraine, controlled by Elon Musk and used by the Ukrainian army, escape the authority of the American army in a zone of war.

SpaceX does not comment

Reuters was unable to determine when the new satellite network would become operational. SpaceX, the world's leading satellite operator, did not respond to requests for comment on the contract, its role and its deployment. In a press release, the NRO confirmed its mission to develop a sophisticated satellite system, but refused to make any further comments.