Pentagon considers using SpaceX for fleet of militarized Starships
SpaceX is already functionally a defense contractor and has launched American military satellites and recently bolstering Ukrainian communication links with Starlink.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Published: JUNE 21, 2022
The Pentagon is exploring the option of using Elon Musk’s rockets to deploy a “quick reaction force” to thwart a future Benghazi-style attack, according to publicly available documents published by the Pentagon. The US Transportation Command, or USTRANSCOM, are a Pentagon office tasked with transporting cargo to American global military assets, announced that it was partnering with SpaceX to examine the feasibility of quickly blasting supplies into space and back to Earth rather than flying them through the air.
“The goal would be to fly a C-17 [cargo plane] equivalent anywhere on the globe in less than 60 minutes,” according to a presentation by Army Gen. Stephen Lyons. One day SpaceX’s rocket technology could “quickly move critical logistics during time-sensitive contingencies” and “deliver humanitarian assistance,” A USTRANSCOM press release stated. While the Pentagon also hinted at potentially transporting “personnel” through these space launches, the emphasis of the announcement was focused on transporting cargo.
more................ https://www.jpost.com/international/article-709950
SpaceX is already functionally a defense contractor and has launched American military satellites and recently bolstering Ukrainian communication links with Starlink.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Published: JUNE 21, 2022
The Pentagon is exploring the option of using Elon Musk’s rockets to deploy a “quick reaction force” to thwart a future Benghazi-style attack, according to publicly available documents published by the Pentagon. The US Transportation Command, or USTRANSCOM, are a Pentagon office tasked with transporting cargo to American global military assets, announced that it was partnering with SpaceX to examine the feasibility of quickly blasting supplies into space and back to Earth rather than flying them through the air.
“The goal would be to fly a C-17 [cargo plane] equivalent anywhere on the globe in less than 60 minutes,” according to a presentation by Army Gen. Stephen Lyons. One day SpaceX’s rocket technology could “quickly move critical logistics during time-sensitive contingencies” and “deliver humanitarian assistance,” A USTRANSCOM press release stated. While the Pentagon also hinted at potentially transporting “personnel” through these space launches, the emphasis of the announcement was focused on transporting cargo.
more................ https://www.jpost.com/international/article-709950
