Reports indicate SpaceX developing network of surveillance satellites for US intelligence

According to Reuters, a confidential agreement worth $1.8 billion with the National Reconnaissance Office entails numerous satellites equipped with "Earth-imaging capabilities."

Reuters reports that since 2021, SpaceX's Starshield division has held a confidential contract with the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to develop a network of "hundreds" of spy satellites, as per undisclosed sources familiar with the program. Previously, a Wall Street Journal article in February referred to a classified $1.8 billion contract between SpaceX and an unnamed government agency. Now, Reuters identifies the agency as the NRO and specifies the purpose of the contract: constructing a network of satellites with "Earth-imaging capabilities" that can function as a swarm in low orbits. Although the report does not disclose the timeline for the network's operational status or other participating companies, it notes that SpaceX has deployed satellites listed in a US space objects database, identified as Starshield prototypes by undisclosed sources. 

SpaceX characterizes Starshield as a secure satellite network geared towards government use, with Elon Musk stating it will be owned and managed by the US government through the DoD Space Force. Last autumn, the division secured a contract with the US Space Force to supply satellite communications to the military via Starlink.

According to Reuters, the success of the NRO contract could significantly enhance the US government and military's ability to rapidly identify potential targets worldwide.

While an NRO representative reportedly refrained from commenting on SpaceX's involvement as per Reuters' findings, they acknowledged to the publication their commitment to developing the most advanced, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system globally.