Elon Musk's American corporation SpaceX is creating a network of spy satellites commissioned by the US National Space Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Reuters reported, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the program, but not authorized to comment on it officially.
According to the agency, the network will consist of hundreds of satellites with Earth imaging capabilities, which will significantly expand Washington's ability to quickly detect potential targets around the world.
About ten prototypes have already been launched into orbit since 2020 on Falcon 9 rockets from SpaceX, the material states.
According to Reuters, the SpaceX division that is involved in the project is called Starshield and has already received $1.8 billion under the contract for creating the satellites.
SpaceX and the Pentagon did not provide official comments to the agency. NRO, meanwhile, acknowledged its mission to develop a complex satellite system and partnerships with other government agencies and companies, but declined to comment on SpaceX's involvement in the effort.
In February, The Wall Street Journal reported on the existence of a secret contract for the same amount between SpaceX and an unknown intelligence agency.
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