A classified network of SpaceX satellites is emitting a mysterious signal

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in March of this year, carrying multiple Starshield satellites into orbit. National Reconnaissance Office/NRO via X

National Reconnaissance Office/NRO via X

A constellation of classified defense satellites built by the commercial company SpaceX is emitting a mysterious signal that may violate international standards, NPR has learned.

Satellites associated with the “Starshield” satellite network appear to be transmitting to the Earth’s surface on frequencies normally used for doing the exact opposite: sending commands from Earth to satellites in space. The use of those frequencies to “downlink” data runs counter to

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