About 170 Starshield satellites built by SpaceX for the US government’s National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) have been sending signals in the wrong direction, a satellite researcher found.
The SpaceX-built spy satellites are helping the NRO greatly expand its satellite surveillance capabilities, but the purpose of these signals is unknown. The signals are sent from space to Earth in a frequency band that’s allocated internationally for Earth-to-space and space-to-space transmissions.
There have been no public complaints of interference caused by the surprising Starshield emissions. But the researcher who found them says they highlight a troubling lack of transparency in how the US government manages the use of spectrum and a failure to coordinate spectrum usage with other countries.
This is an intriguing development! It’s fascinating to see how technology like SpaceX’s Starshield is being utilized for national security. Looking forward to more insights on its impact and future advancements.
Absolutely, it is intriguing! The use of these satellites for national security highlights the evolving role of private companies in defense. It’s also interesting to consider how advancements in satellite tech could impact global surveillance and privacy issues moving forward.
You’re right, it really does highlight the evolving role of private companies in national defense. It’s fascinating to see how advancements in technology can shift the landscape of security and surveillance in such significant ways.