Russia’s Caution
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, recently issued a stark warning to the U.S., indicating that the utilization of commercial satellite operators for surveillance – most notably SpaceX – could transform American satellites into fair game for potential retaliatory actions, as reported by Reuters.
The Revelations
The conversation was sparked by the revelation that under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency, SpaceX was reportedly constructing a vast network of spy satellites. This endeavor, with an estimated value of $1.8 billion, has brought SpaceX’s involvement in military initiatives to the forefront of global scrutiny.
International Implications
In response to these developments, countries like China have voiced their concerns over the potential threat posed by such endeavors. Amid escalating tensions, China denounced the U.S. for what it perceived as a breach of global security, cautioning against the destabilizing consequences that could result from SpaceX’s alleged involvement in spying initiatives.
Elon Musk’s Response
Not one to shy away from controversy, Tesla Inc. CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear war threat against the U.S. with a concise yet enigmatic “Of course” on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).