Elon Musk's SpaceX to partner with Northrop Grumman on US spy satellite system, reports say

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: UK Independent

9 hours ago


Elon Musk’s SpaceX has reportedly partnered with US aerospace and defence company Northrop Grumman on a secret spy satellite project that is already capturing detailed images of the Earth. According to Reuters, which was first to report on the classified project, it is meant to enhance the US government’s ability to track military and intelligence targets from low-Earth orbits.

The network’s imaging capabilities are reportedly intended to have superior resolution over most existing US government spying systems. Once it is fully deployed it will be equipped with an array of different sensors, including optical and radar technology, according to sources that spoke to Reuters.

The system will also feature relay satellites that can transmit the imagery and other data across the network. Another hope for the Earth-orbiting project is that it will reduce the risks associated with reconnaissance imagery gathered by US aircraft and drones in other countries’ sovereign airspaces, especially in conflict zones.

The involvement of Northrop Grumman – one of the world’s largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers in the world – is reportedly to ensure that control over the highly-sensitive project is not given to one single contractor.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/elon-musk-spacex-northrop-grumman-spy-satellite-b2531222.html

[2naSalit]

1. Why does this...

Seem so problematic?

[Johnny2X2X]

2. Do not let this guy anywhere near our military technology

He has zero loyalty to the US.

[jaxexpat]

3. What could possibly go wrong with this?

[Otto_Harper]

4. This makes a good deal of sense

By putting our intelligence secrets directly into Musk's hands, we are cutting out the circuitous pathway now needed to divulge it.

[Icanthinkformyself]

5. Musk

should take the next flight on one of the ships that WE paid for. Public funds created the space program and developed the technology. It would be appropriate if WE benefited as opposed to making morbidly rich people even richer, while we get poorer. How many billions does one need? I say NONE. Tax the out of existence.

[LudwigPastorius]

6. Any government contracts with Space X should be contingent on...

its board of directors ousting their Nazi South African CEO.

[dalton99a]

7. More taxpayer money and more government secrets to a Trump-worshipping, Putin-worshipping fascist

[mahina]

8. In the article, there was no indication that this was made public by the US government or Northrop Grumman.

Sources were unnamed and the comment from Northrop Grumman spokesperson that was here was in response to a question obviously not the initial break or should I say leak.


Who leaked this? Musk?

[BumRushDaShow]

10. There was mention a month ago about a similar project (without another vendor named)

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143210174

The above from last month could be the same one referenced in the OP (that now has a vendor partner revealed) or could just be generic with the expectation of several vendors to come.

[mahina]

12. I don't know man, I read it as an opportunity to mess around

Who benefits from a statement like this? SpaceX, musk, but not US intelligence. I hope you’re right. Thanks for all you do for DU.

[speak easy]

9. What could possibly go wrong?

[republianmushroom]

11. I trust Musk with secrets as much as I trust trump.

[Zorro]

13. SpaceX is a launch services provider

Despite what the article implies, I suspect this is what SpaceX will be providing for Northrop Grumman.

The interesting part is the report that Northrop Grumman instead of Lockheed Martin is SpaceX's "partner".

[BumRushDaShow]

14. Yeah, they just provide the transport

in some cases, Falcon Heavy.

There may be other vendors I expect, but this is all supposed to be "hush hush top secret".

I posted about what might have been an earlier mention of this a month ago (assuming this is talking about the same contract or maybe a parallel one) - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143210174

[Miguelito Loveless]

15. So, the US government

is going to team up with a person who has admitted abusing drugs, has expressed pro-Russian sentiments, and is deeply in the influence of the Chinese government.

What could go wrong?