US military gives SpaceX access to restricted space tracking data

Summary

The US military has given Elon Musk's SpaceX access to restricted space tracking data. The Guardian reports that this gives the company an advantage in tracking objects in orbit, and that the move raises national security concerns and fears of greater control over the space industry. The report also raises questions about whether the Trump administration is attempting to hand traffic control in Earth's orbit to a controversial donor, and industry observers say the access raises new national security questions.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   25 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that the US military has given SpaceX access to restricted space tracking data, an advantage in tracking objects in orbit that raises national security concerns and questions about whether the Trump administration is handing traffic control in Earth's orbit to a controversial donor.