SpaceX's secret Starshield satellites may have used unauthorized radio frequencies to transmit data to Earth, potentially violating international regulations and risking interference with other satellites, according to amateur satellite tracker Scott Tilley. The company, which collaborates with U.S. government agencies, might have concealed these operations by using prohibited frequency bands, though no penalties are expected due to lack of enforcement by the ITU.
A classified constellation of SpaceX's Starshield satellites is emitting unexpected signals in the radio spectrum, potentially violating international standards and risking interference with other satellites. Discovered by amateur tracker Scott Tilley, these signals are unusual because they are transmitted on frequencies typically used for uplinking, raising questions about their purpose and the potential for space communication disruptions. SpaceX and the NRO have not commented on the issue.
The U.S. Department of the Air Force is reconsidering its satellite procurement for the Space Force's low Earth orbit network, potentially replacing planned government contracts with SpaceX's Starshield satellites to reduce costs and increase competition, which has raised concerns about dependency on a single vendor and impacts on industry and innovation.
SpaceX's Starshield unit has a classified contract with the US National Reconnaissance Office to build a network of "hundreds" of spy satellites with Earth-imaging capabilities, operating in low orbits. The network, aimed at significantly advancing US government and military intelligence capabilities, is part of a government-focused secure satellite network owned and controlled by the US government and DoD Space Force. While the timeline for operational deployment is unclear, the project signifies a significant advancement in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
