A top official from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Troy Meink, who is awaiting confirmation as President Donald Trump's nominee for Air Force Secretary, has been linked to a multibillion-dollar satellite contract that favored Elon Musk's SpaceX.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Meink's actions in 2021 may have influenced the awarding of a critical contract to SpaceX, which would help develop a new network of spy satellites.
This contract is vital to the US government's efforts to maintain its military and geopolitical advantage in space.
According to Reuters, the contract, initially valued at $1.8 billion, could ultimately cost much more as SpaceX continues to deploy the satellites.
The changes to the contract requirements, including a shift to a type of inter-satellite communication only SpaceX could provide through its Starlink system, allegedly made it impossible for other companies to compete.
SpaceX's commercial broadband service, which has around 7,000 satellites in orbit, gave the company a unique advantage that other bidders did not have.
Investigation Opens Over Air Force Nominee's Role in SpaceX Satellite Deal
This arrangement has raised suspicions, leading to an investigation by the NRO's inspector general to determine if Meink had improperly influenced the contract in SpaceX's favor.
Although it is unclear whether the investigation has concluded, sources claim the investigation began after some companies, including L3Harris Technologies, complained about the changes.
Meink reportedly warned L3Harris that future business with the agency could be at risk if they filed a formal protest. L3Harris declined to comment on the allegations, ETTelecom said.
SpaceX's involvement in the contract further strengthens its ties with US defense and intelligence agencies.
The satellites are intended to provide high-resolution imagery of military and intelligence targets worldwide. Since the launch of several satellites last year, the program has already seen substantial progress.
Meink's nomination for Air Force Secretary, which follows a recommendation from Musk, comes amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
Musk's SpaceX, which conducts extensive business with the federal government, has garnered billions in contracts with multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Defense.
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