Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:SPCX) has received unique access to U.S. Space Command’s highest-fidelity classified orbital-tracking data under a reported agreement with the Space Force, prompting competitors to question whether the arrangement could give its free Stargaze service an unfair market advantage.
SpaceX Reportedly Trades Stargaze Data For Access
Breaking Defense reported on Wednesday that SpaceX and the Space Force’s Joint Commercial Operations Cell signed an agreement exchanging Stargaze observations for routine access to SPACECOM’s most detailed High Accuracy Catalog data. A Space Force official told the outlet the government information is limited to "internal use" and cannot support "commercial gain or benefit."
The arrangement stands out because the Space Force publicly describes JCO as built around non-classified commercial space-domain-awareness data. JCO feeds optical, radar and orbital-position information into the Unified Data Library.
Stargaze uses star-tracking cameras aboard Starlink satellites to observe spacecraft and debris in low Earth orbit. SpaceX executive Jon Herman said it can see more than 80% of the Space Force catalog below 600 kilometers, but acknowledged Starlink sensors are "bad at seeing the small stuff." He called radar "an extremely valuable tool to supplement Stargaze."
Benzinga reached out to SpaceX for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Stargaze Expands SpaceX’s Orbital Tracking Reach
SpaceX operates more than 10,000 Starlink satellites and has deorbited 260 Starlink spacecraft in six months while preparing hundreds more for disposal.
DARPA’s Space-WATCH program provides broader context. The agency says it aims to create persistent, real-time LEO tracking by combining low-cost sensors on commercial and government satellites with automated data fusion.
Reuters reported in February that SpaceX launched Stargaze, and experts warned against excessive dependence on the company for orbital-monitoring infrastructure at the time.
Competitors Question Potential Stargaze Market Advantage
Competitors worry classified covariance data could indirectly improve Stargaze’s external collision-analysis products even if SpaceX never resells the government data itself. Breaking Defense said no source provided evidence that the arrangement has influenced Stargaze products.
The concern comes as SpaceX’s footprint at the Pentagon grows. The Space Force awarded the company $1.6 billion for 18 Falcon 9 national-security launches in July, part of at least $7 billion in Pentagon awards this year.
Price Action: SPCX shares were trading 0.59% lower at $147.49 in pre-market trading on Thursday.
According to Benzinga Edge Rankings, SPCX stock shows a favorable price trend in the Short, Medium and Long term.
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