According to reports, SPACEX is reportedly now constructing a group of surveillance satellites in collaboration with defense company Northrop Grumman.
This is being done as part of a confidential agreement with a US intelligence agency.
This report is in part based upon remarks made by a high-ranking Space Force commander earlier this month describing China’s extensive network of surveillance satellites.
The satellites are suspected of monitoring military activities in the western region, which the US aims to replicate.
The rapid progress of China in space has prompted the Space Force to initiate preparations for its inaugural military exercise beyond Earth, aimed at evaluating its ability to counteract “on-orbit aggression” from potential rivals.
Reuters reports that SpaceX is constructing a large number of surveillance satellites through its Starshield company as a component of a secretive contract worth $1.8 billion.
SpaceX is employing multiple contractors.
The purpose of this is to prevent a situation in which a single firm, together with its leader, possesses extensive access to a significant quantity of extremely confidential data pertaining to the classified program.
Northrop, a prominent global defense supplier, will supply sensors for a minimum of 50 satellites in the constellation.
Before being launched into orbit, all espionage satellites must undergo testing at Northrop’s laboratory.
According to sources, the operation is expected to greatly enhance the White House and US military’s capacity to identify and monitor ‘targets’ worldwide.
These satellites are allegedly imaging satellites, enabling operators to remotely capture ground activities.
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