SpaceX reaches deal with U.S. Space Force for classified tracking data, reports say
SpaceX has agreed to a deal with the U.S. Space Force granting access to the Pentagon's classified space-tracking data in exchange for low Earth orbit observations from Starlink cameras, according to reports citing Breaking Defense.
SpaceX has struck a deal with the U.S. Space Force providing the company with access to the Pentagon's most detailed classified space-tracking data, according to reporting attributed to Breaking Defense.[1][2][3]
In exchange, SpaceX is sharing data from Stargaze, a system that employs roughly 30,000 cameras mounted across Starlink satellites to track objects in low Earth orbit. The classified government data could help SpaceX more precisely model collision hazards around its approximately 11,000 Starlink and Starshield satellites.[1][3]
SpaceX reports that its satellite fleet executes approximately 20,000 maneuvers per day, including about 1,000 maneuvers specifically aimed at collision avoidance. Under the reported terms of the agreement, SpaceX is restricted to using the Pentagon's tracking data solely for internal operations and is barred from using it for commercial gain.[3]
Key facts
- SpaceX struck a deal with the U.S. Space Force for access to the Pentagon's most detailed classified space-tracking data, according to Breaking Defense.
- In return, SpaceX is sharing data from Stargaze, which uses roughly 30,000 Starlink cameras to track objects in low Earth orbit.
- The classified tracking data could assist SpaceX in modeling collision risks for its roughly 11,000 Starlink and Starshield satellites.
- SpaceX states its satellite fleet carries out around 20,000 maneuvers daily, including roughly 1,000 for collision avoidance.
- The agreement restricts the Pentagon data to internal company use and explicitly prohibits using it for commercial gain.
Sources · 3 sources
- SB
Shay Boloor@StockSavvyShayPost on X ·
$SPCX struck a deal with the U.S. Space Force giving it access to Pentagon’s most detailed classified space tracking data. In exchange SpaceX is sharing Stargaze data from ~30,000 Starlink cameras to improve collision tracking across its ~11,000 satellites. https://t.co/7Nuqmp7XRF
Open source - PM
Polymarket Money@PolymarketMoneyPost on X ·
BREAKING: SpaceX struck a deal with the U.S. Space Force for access to the Pentagon’s most detailed classified space-tracking data
Open source - WS
Wall St Engine@wallstenginePost on X ·
$SPCX STRIKES CLASSIFIED SPACE-TRACKING DEAL SpaceX has struck a deal with the U.S. Space Force giving it unique access to the Pentagon’s most detailed classified space-tracking data, according to Breaking Defense. In return, SpaceX is sharing data from Stargaze, which uses ~30,000 cameras across Starlink satellites to track objects in low Earth orbit. The classified data could help SpaceX more precisely model collision risks around its ~11,000 Starlink and Starshield satellites. SpaceX says its fleet performs ~20,000 maneuvers a day, including ~1,000 for collision avoidance. The agreement restricts the Pentagon data to internal use and says it cannot be used for commercial gain.
Open source