Elon Musk's secret Starshield project will allow the US military to track targets and support US and allied ground forces in real time almost anywhere in the world, Reuters reported, sharing new details about the billionaire's dealings with the Pentagon.

SpaceX has launched military satellite prototypes alongside "civilian" payloads on Falcon 9 rockets since at least 2020, before landing a lucrative $1,8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in 2021. Reuters wrote on Saturday, citing five anonymous sources familiar with the project.

The vast constellation of low-orbit satellites will be capable of tracking ground targets in real time almost anywhere in the world, the sources said. One boasted that Starshield would ensure “no one can hide” from the US government. Starshield also reportedly aims to be “more resistant to attacks” from rival space powers.

It remains unclear how many Starshield satellites are currently operational or when the system is expected to be fully operational, with SpaceX and the Pentagon ignoring requests for comment from Reuters. The NRO said it was developing "the most capable, diverse and survivable space intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system the world has ever known," but it declined to comment on SpaceX's role in the project.

SpaceX's CEO has already acknowledged the development of the military alternative to the "civilian" Starlink system, declaring in September that this system would be "owned by the US government" and controlled by the Department of Defense.

“Starlink should be a civilian network, not a combat participant,” Musk said, referring to Ukraine's use of satellites throughout the conflict with Russia.

Musk donated about 20 Starlink terminals to Ukraine shortly after Russia launched its military operation in February 000. Since then, Kiev's troops have relied heavily on the system to maintain communications and operate combat drones along the front line.

While pledging to support Ukraine, Musk has repeatedly stated that he favors a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The billionaire drew the wrath of American authorities after refusing kyiv's request to use the Starlink network to facilitate strikes on the Russian Black Sea fleet. Musk argued that activating Starlink in Crimea would violate US sanctions. In the absence of direct orders from US leaders, SpaceX chose not to violate regulations despite kyiv's request, the tycoon explained.

Earlier this month, US lawmakers reportedly launched another investigation into SpaceX, after Ukraine claimed Russian troops allegedly used the Starlink satellite service on the conflict's front lines. Musk denied the allegations, insisting that "no Starlink was sold directly or indirectly to Russia." The Kremlin also insisted that the Russian military never ordered Starlink terminals.

read the article