Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs and technologies

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by sandworm101 on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @12:23PM (#39119911)

I think this is above anything spacex would need to be told about. Spacex is the delivery driver. They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs, and a bit about its needs. They dont need to know what the sat is actually doing, let alone how that function ties into any larger programs.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by dotancohen on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @01:47PM (#39121121)

> They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs

Tell me that and I'll tell you what the bird is going to do. Specific orbits have very specific purposes, usually. And knowing the size and mass of a satellite gives a lot of information, especially if I can look at it or even just a blurry photograph of it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by scottyah on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @02:03PM (#39121328)

Nobody is launching anything into orbit in secret: once the launch goes every country that cares to track it will be able to. They can always add extra weight if they want to obscure things to the launcher.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by mjevans on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @02:20PM (#39121512)

Extra weight can even be propellant which provides a bunch of options, including just extended service lifetime.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by tintor on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @01:03PM (#39120526)

But they need to know if sat is hazardous and/or radioactive, or what risks it posses to their vehicle.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by bell-cot on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @01:57PM (#39121238)

No they don't. Pre-launch satellites do not normally leak toxic chemicals, nor emit noteworthy radiation, nor have dangerous voltages on exposed surfaces, nor ...

And as a Plan B - any satellites filled with secret sauce could easily be babysat (while in SpaceX's hands) by trusty USSF TSgt Top-Secret, who's been trained in what to do if things go horribly wrong.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon moves to declassify some secret space programs a... by sandworm101 on Wednesday January 24, 2024 @01:36PM (#39120972)

Sats are sats. They all have thrusters, antennas and solar panels. They have a center of mass, various g limits and have to fit inside the rocket. Everything else can be hidden from the launch provider.

[ Parent | on HN ]