The breakthrough came last month, about 600 miles above Earth. For the first time, the Pentagon's Space Development Agency used lasers to more securely transmit data at light speed between military satellites, making it easier to track enemy missiles and if necessary shoot them down.
It was a milestone not only for the Pentagon. This was a defining moment for a certain up-and-coming military contractor that had built key parts of this new system: Elon Musk's SpaceX.
SpaceX over the last year started to move in a big way into the business of building military and spy satellites, an industry that has long been dominated by contractors like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman as well as smaller players like York Space Systems.
This shift comes as the Pentagon and US spy agencies are preparing to spend billions of dollars to build a series of new constellations of low-earth-orbit satellites, much of it in response to recent moves by China to build its own space-based military systems.
SpaceX is poised to capitalize on that, generating a new wave of questions inside the federal government about the company's growing dominance as a military space contractor and Musk's extensive business operations in China and his relations with foreign government leaders, possibly including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Musk is also unpredictable in a sector in which security is often perceived to be synonymous with predictability. He chafes at many of the processes of government, saying they hold back progress, and wants to make his own calls.
Denne historien er fra November 01, 2024-utgaven av Business Standard.
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Denne historien er fra November 01, 2024-utgaven av Business Standard.
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Release for grief
EYE CULTURE
RBI supersedes New India Co-op Bank Board
Alleged misappropriation of funds behind curbs
Reciprocal tax plan sets off alarm bells amid global trade war buzz
The move by the United States President Donald Trump to impose 'reciprocal' tariffs on a 'country-by-country' basis is set to trigger a global trade war, according to officials watching this space.
Sachin Bansal steps down as Navi CEO amid top-level rejig
To serve as executive chairman of the group
Pharma Stocks Plunge Amid Tariff Concerns
Analysts Say Exports Unlikely to Face Major Impact
I-T Bill empowers taxman to ask for access to electronic systems
In a move that could make it easier to scrutinise cryptocur rency and other virtual digital assets, the new income-tax Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday empowers tax authorities to demand codes for access to electronic systems during surveys and searches.
Cummins' engine may rev low in near term
Brokerages upbeat on firm's long-term prospects after a strong Q3
Smallcaps slip into bear mkt territory, midcaps on brink
Investors endured another challenging session on Friday as smallcap stocks tumbled over 3 per cent, sliding into bear-market territory, while midcaps fell 2.4 per cent, extending their decline from peak levels to 18.4 per cent.
Deep state, shallow state, non-state
The deep state has now become the engine of conspiracy theories across democracies. America was the first and India is catching up fast. Many European democracies are on the bandwagon too
DPIIT to sign MoUs with firms for setting up manufacturing incubation centres
In a move to give a fillip to manufacturing startups, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will be signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with corporates to set up manufacturing incubation centres.
