A new discovery has stirred the space and science community this week — mysterious radio signals have been detected coming from SpaceX’s classified Starshield satellite network, a system reportedly built for the U.S. military. The finding has sparked questions about potential violations of international telecom regulations and what the true purpose of these transmissions might be.
Uncovering the Signals
The discovery was made by Scott Tilley, a well-known Canadian amateur satellite tracker who has a history of finding secret spacecraft in orbit. While scanning the skies for signals, Tilley came across something unusual — transmissions coming from SpaceX’s Starshield satellites using frequencies that should not be active for this type of communication.
According to his report, the signals were detected in the 2025–2110 MHz frequency band, which is normally reserved for uplink transmissions — meaning it’s used to send commands to satellites, not to receive data from them. However, Starshield satellites appeared to be transmitting on those same frequencies.
In total, Tilley said he had detected signals from 170 satellites out of the approximately 200 Starshield spacecraft believed to be in orbit.
Why the Frequency Use Is a Big Deal
At first glance, this might sound like a minor technical issue, but experts say it’s far more serious. The 2025–2110 MHz band is tightly regulated by international agreements under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Any unapproved transmissions on that band can cause interference with other satellites, disrupting crucial operations — including those used for navigation, weather monitoring, and national defense.
One space communications analyst explained that such interference could have “dangerous and unpredictable consequences,” especially if the transmissions overlap with those controlling critical satellites.
The key mystery, however, is why SpaceX’s Starshield satellites are using these restricted frequencies at all.
Speculation and Theories
Since SpaceX and the U.S. Department of Defense have declined to comment, analysts can only speculate. Some believe it’s a deliberate choice — operating in a “quiet” frequency band could reduce the chance of detection or interference from other signals. Others think it may be a technical oversight or an experimental phase for the classified network.
A defense technology expert suggested that “Starshield may be testing advanced encrypted communication methods that operate differently from civilian satellite systems.” If true, this could explain the use of an unconventional frequency.
However, others warn that such activity — intentional or not — risks breaching international communication laws. Countries that rely heavily on space assets could see this as a potential threat to orbital stability or as a move toward military dominance in space.
What Is Starshield?
SpaceX’s Starshield is a classified satellite division separate from its commercial Starlink internet constellation. While Starlink provides broadband service to millions of users around the world, Starshield is designed exclusively for government and military applications.
According to official descriptions, Starshield’s goals include secure communications, Earth observation, and national security operations. The satellites are built on the same bus design as Starlink but are believed to carry advanced encryption, imaging, and data relay systems for defense customers.
Over the past year, the U.S. government has quietly expanded Starshield contracts, making it one of the largest classified satellite programs currently in low Earth orbit.
A Growing Concern About Space Transparency
The discovery has reignited debate about the growing lack of transparency in orbital activities, especially as private companies like SpaceX become key players in national defense.
Space law experts argue that even military space programs should respect international coordination standards to prevent orbital chaos and radio interference. The concern is not only about legality but also about the risk of accidents or misunderstandings that could escalate into geopolitical tensions.
As of now, there has been no official acknowledgment or denial from SpaceX or U.S. defense agencies. The silence has only added to the intrigue, leaving experts and the public guessing about what these signals truly mean.
The Bigger Picture
SpaceX’s rapid expansion in both civilian and military space infrastructure has given it unprecedented control over global communications. While Starlink connects ordinary users on Earth, Starshield is believed to play a key role in defense intelligence, secure data transmission, and potentially surveillance operations.
If the use of restricted frequencies continues without international coordination, it could raise diplomatic questions and even trigger formal complaints through the ITU. For now, the signals continue — silent proof of how much is happening above us that remains unseen and unexplained.
As Scott Tilley noted in his own statement:
> “Space is getting crowded and complicated. What we don’t know might one day come back to surprise us.”
Source: NPR – “A classified network of SpaceX satellites is emitting a mysterious signal,” October 17, 2025