Science & Tech · Space · 2 hrs ago
SpaceX gets exclusive access to protected US space traffic data
SpaceX has gained access to highly protected US defense data used to track activity in space.
The company, led by Elon Musk, has exclusive access to the most detailed version of the data.
The information is used by a government office that coordinates space traffic.
The Trump administration is trying to dismantle that coordination office.
Former staff and experts say the change could make SpaceX the de facto space traffic controller.
No further steps or timeline are specified.
The US Department of Defense has given SpaceX exclusive access to its most detailed and closely protected space traffic data.
The article says no outside party has previously had access to the full dataset.
Former employees of the space traffic control centre and experts say the move gives SpaceX a government role.
The access comes as the Trump administration seeks to dismantle the government body responsible for coordinating space traffic.
- Who
- SpaceX and the US Department of Defense.
- What
- SpaceX was given exclusive access to the most detailed and closely protected space traffic data.
- When
- Reported on November 9, 2026. The date the access was granted is not stated.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Recipient
- SpaceX
- Data holder
- US Department of Defense
- Access
- Exclusive access to the most detailed, closely protected dataset
- Prior access
- No outside party had previously accessed the full dataset
- Government context
- The Trump administration is seeking to dismantle the space traffic coordination body
What people are saying
SpaceX becomes de facto the space traffic controller.