Musk's Company Pitches Novel Defense System

The SpaceX-led group proposes an unusual subscription model. Instead of selling the system outright, they'd charge the Pentagon for ongoing access. This approach could speed up deployment but has raised eyebrows among defense officials worried about losing control over a critical defense asset.

Trump's January executive order kickstarted the project by declaring missile attacks "the most catastrophic threat" to the U.S. The Pentagon has since received interest from over 180 companies, including traditional defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

The system would combine 400-1,000 tracking satellites with 200 "attack satellites" armed with missiles or lasers. SpaceX aims to handle only the tracking layer, estimating costs between $6-10 billion for initial design work.

Musk's role complicates matters. As both a special adviser to Trump and SpaceX's owner, his involvement has sparked concern. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has introduced legislation to prevent government employees from securing federal contracts for their companies.

Technical experts question the project's feasibility. Laura Grego from the Union of Concerned Scientists warns the system could be overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous launches, potentially requiring tens of thousands of satellites.

Musk denies SpaceX's involvement. On X, he stated: "This is not true." But sources describe ongoing talks between SpaceX advisers and senior defense officials.

Why this matters:

• Silicon Valley's push into defense contracting signals a shift away from traditional military-industrial players
• The subscription model could revolutionize how the Pentagon buys major weapons systems - for better or worse

Read on, my dear:

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