SpaceX launched the first reconnaissance satellites for the US government

2024: SpaceX launches first reconnaissance satellites for US government into orbit

On May 22, 2024, the company SpaceX Elona Musk launched the first batch of small satellites of the National Directorate of Military Space Intelligence (USA NRO) into orbit. These devices will help in the modernization of the country's space surveillance infrastructure.

The Falcon 9 rocket launched from the Vandenberg base of the US Air Force in California. The classified mission, designated NROL-146, was SpaceX's 52nd launch in 2024 and the fifth Falcon 9 launch in the interests of NRO. The number of spacecraft launched into orbit is not disclosed. The first stage of the rocket, performing its 16th flight, after separation successfully sat on an unmanned floating platform in the Pacific Ocean.

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Фото: SpaceX

As SpaceNews notes, NRO develops and operates secret surveillance and intelligence satellites of the US government. The NROL-146 mission is the first deployment of a new generation of spacecraft designed to capture high-definition images of the Earth's surface. In addition to SpaceX, Northrop Grumman is involved in the formation of the system. There is no information about the planned number of grouping as of the end of May 2024.

About six spacecraft launches are planned for 2024 in the interests of the NRO, the agency said, noting that the satellites provide prompt collection and quick delivery of information.

In addition, it is noted that NRO plans to increase the number of its satellites in orbit by about four times. The use of a large number of relatively compact spacecraft will expand the agency's ability to observe and collect operational data. Thus, the NRO will be able to more effectively control "critical territories" by obtaining the necessary intelligence information.^[1]

2020

In early August 2020 SpaceX , she signed a Pentagon contract for $316 million for the launch of satellites. Together USA with the United Launch Alliance, which also won the competition, SpaceX will launch military satellites into orbit to ensure national security between 2022 and 2024.

In general, the Space and Rocket Aviation Center (SMC) and the National Intelligence Agency (NRO) have signed a $653 ml contract with ULA and SpaceX - this is the total cost of satellite launch and maintenance services for fiscal 2022. SpaceX will receive $316 million for one launch and will serve 40% of satellites, and ULA will receive $337 million for two launches and will serve 60% of satellites. However, the contract does not limit the number of additional starts and the corresponding board.

SpaceX signed a $316 million contract with the Pentagon to launch satellites

For launches, SpaceX is likely to use Falcon the Heavy heavy launch vehicle in addition to the Falcon 9 medium-capacity launch vehicle. In 2022, SpaceX will only provide one mission under the contract, code number USSF-67. The choice of rocket to launch is determined by a number of factors, so it is not yet possible to say exactly which model will be used. Of the five American-made launch vehicles currently in the test, design and evaluation stages and set to enter orbit, only the SpaceX Falcon Heavy took to the skies.

Rivals to SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance in obtaining these contracts were Blue OriginJeff Bezos and longtime government contractor Northrop Grumman. It is not yet clear whether the missiles developed by these companies will be used in the future. Manufacturers often rely on Air Force missions to recoup the costs of developing these missiles, and if military support stops, the project could close permanently.^[2]

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