Concerns mount over potential sharing of sensitive space intelligence

In a development that has sent ripples through the aerospace community, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed serious concerns over reports suggesting SpaceX CEO Elon Musk may have shared critical space-related information with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The alleged connection

According to a detailed investigation by The Wall Street Journal, Musk has reportedly maintained “regular contact” with Putin since late 2022, discussing various topics ranging from personal matters to business interests and geopolitical issues. This revelation has sparked particular concern given SpaceX’s deep involvement with NASA and U.S. military projects.

Speaking exclusively to Semafor’s Burgess Everett, Nelson stated, “I don’t know that that story is true. I think it should be investigated.” He emphasized that if verified, these communications would raise significant security concerns for NASA, the Department of Defense, and various intelligence agencies.

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White House in the dark

The report suggests that these alleged communications have remained largely unknown to senior U.S. officials. While White House officials claimed no knowledge of such contacts, the WSJ reports that these discussions “appear to be a closely held secret in government.” However, multiple sources, including current and former officials from the U.S., Europe, and Russia, have confirmed the existence of these communications.

The Taiwan connection

In a particularly noteworthy revelation, Putin allegedly requested Musk to withhold Starlink satellite internet service from Taiwan, framing it as “a favor to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.” This request highlights the potential geopolitical implications of these alleged communications.

Official responses

The White House has maintained a cautious stance, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicating they were “not in a position to corroborate” the WSJ’s findings. The Pentagon has also refrained from direct comment on security clearance matters related to the situation.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has downplayed the extent of communication, asserting that Musk and Putin engaged in just one phone call, focusing solely on “space as well as current and future technologies.”

This developing story raises crucial questions about the intersection of private space enterprise and national security interests, potentially affecting future collaborations between SpaceX and U.S. government agencies.