SpaceX has been chosen by the U.S. Defense Department to build missile-tracking satellites.
It is the first time SpaceX has won a government contract to build satellites. The American aerospace company is best known for its rockets. http://www.hxen.com/englishlistening/voaenglish/voaspecialenglish/
In May, SpaceX made history by launching two astronauts into space aboard a rocket and spacecraft the company built and operated for NASA.
SpaceX has increased its satellite production in recent years for its Starlink network. Starlink is a group of satellites - deployed to low-Earth orbit - designed to send internet signals across the world.
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has said he hopes Starlink will make enough money to help pay for the company's space travel goals.
Under the contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites. The satellites will have a special missile-tracking sensor supplied by another company, an SDA official said.
Both companies are expected to have the satellites ready for launch by fall 2022.
The awards represent the start of SDA's plan to develop a system of satellites in low-Earth orbit to detect and follow missiles, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). ICBMs can travel long distances and are difficult to follow and intercept, or stop.
The Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own.
I'm John Russell.
Joey Roulette reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor.
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