It has been reported that Elon Musk’s SpaceX company has collaborated with the American aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman for a secret spy satellite project that is already capturing detailed images of Earth.
According to Reuters, which first reported the secret project, this initiative aims to enhance the U.S. government’s ability to track military and intelligence targets from low Earth orbits.
The imaging capabilities of the network are said to be intended to surpass those of most existing spy systems used by the U.S. government in terms of resolution. Sources speaking to Reuters indicate that once the satellite is fully operational, it will be equipped with a range of different sensors, including optical and radar technology.
This system will also include relay satellites capable of transmitting images and other data over the network.
Another expectation for this project in Earth orbit is to reduce risks associated with reconnaissance images gathered by U.S. aircraft and drones in the sovereign airspace of other countries, especially in conflict zones.
The inclusion of Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest weapon manufacturers and military technology providers, in the project is reported to ensure that control of this highly sensitive endeavor is not entrusted to a single contractor.
One of the four sources speaking to Reuters stated, “It is in the government’s interest not to be entirely dependent on a single entity.” It remains uncertain whether other contractors are currently involved in the project or whether additional companies will be added at a later date.
Earlier in March, the news outlet reported that the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) had signed a $1.8 billion contract with SpaceX for a classified network project consisting of hundreds of satellites planned for 2021.
Those familiar with the project stated that SpaceX has launched approximately a dozen prototypes so far and has already provided test images to the NRO. This image collection had not been reported previously.
