6 months ago
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NEW DELHI:
SpaceX
on Wednesday successfully launched the first set of operational spy satellites as part of a new US
intelligence network
aimed at enhancing space-based surveillance capabilities. This launch is the first of the many deployments throughout this year.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California at 4 am EDT on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, reports revealed that SpaceX, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, is constructing hundreds of satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to create an extensive orbital system capable of quickly identifying ground targets nearly anywhere on Earth.
The NRO stated that this launch was the "first launch of the NRO's proliferated systems featuring responsive collection and rapid data delivery."
Additionally, the NRO has plans for approximately six launches in 2024 to support its proliferated architecture, with additional launches expected to continue through 2028. However, the agency did not disclose the specific number of satellites deployed during this mission.
The development of this satellite network highlights the US government's growing reliance on Elon Musk's SpaceX for some of its missions.
SpaceX has not only dominated the US rocket launch market but has also become the largest satellite operator globally with its Starlink network.
