In a world where privacy is becoming a luxury, Las Vegas-based startup United Spaceports offers wealthy customers the chance to buy their own military satellite. “Only” for $5.5 million dollars, customers will get a Black Star 1000 satellite the size of a refrigerator, launch into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and their own ground control center. Chief Executive Officer Rob Lauer calls it a “digital sovereignty revolution” for the price of a private plane. “Data security is not a privilege, it’s a necessity,” Lauer explains.
Until recently, only states controlled space technology. However, in the last decade there was a real boom of private space companies, which began to actively saturate the Earth orbit with satellites of their own production. Since privacy is of great importance to security in these tumultuous times, wealthy individuals have been able to set up their own secure communication network, avoiding the risks of cyber-attacks or wiretapping.
What’s inside the Black Star 1000 satellite
Each Black Star 1000 satellite will be equipped with the following technologies on board in a basic configuration:
- Nvidia’s AI platform for analyzing data, which is also used in Tesla’s electric cars.
- Own a cryptocurrency wallet that cannot be physically stolen, and no one but the owner will have access.
- Secure military standard communications.
- Earth remote sensing cameras and a telescope for space observation.
- Solar panels and modular architecture for improvements.
In addition to the basic package, an aviation receiver for on-board communication or custom modules, such as additional sensors, can be ordered separately.
The satellite will operate in a low orbit (up to 2,000 kilometers), allowing communications every 90 minutes. For an additional cost, it can be placed into a 36,000-kilometer geostationary orbit for permanent coverage of a specific region.
Origin of the idea and target audience
The idea emerged in the wake of the Signalgate scandal, when a Trump adviser accidentally inducted a journalist into a secret chat about discussing a military operation in Yemen. This emphasized the vulnerability of traditional communication systems.
“Black Star gives absolute control over information,” Lauer notes.
The target audience is millionaires and billionaires. For them, a satellite will become a status symbol at the level of yachts or supercar collections. At the same time, it is a very useful tool to protect your own assets that no one can get to.
United Spaceports is now taking its first orders. The first launches are planned for the end of 2025. The company subsequently plans to use its own spaceport near Las Vegas.
Earlier we reported on how an amateur astronomer declassified a next-generation military spy satellite.
According to unitedspaceports.com
