Tech CEO accused of aiming to privatize space and satellite operations as federal agencies reportedly seek contracts

Summary

Elon Musk’s cost-cutting under DOGE may privatize National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations or direct federal contracts to SpaceX and Starlink, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

Former NOAA employees warn that Musk’s influence could undermine public communications infrastructure and compromise weather data reliability.

DOGE has cut 1,300 NOAA staff, and new contracts favor Starlink over competitors. FAA and federal agencies are moving toward Starlink for services, while Musk’s push for radio spectrum access threatens essential forecasting.

Critics fear Musk’s enterprises could become government-backed monopolies.