United Spaceports Corp., based in Las Vegas, is making waves by offering affluent customers an unprecedented opportunity to own their own military-grade personal satellite.
The company has initiated sales for the Black Star 1000, an advanced private satellite, with a flat-rate fee of $5.5 million. This package includes the satellite, a contracted launch into space via a private company, and a terrestrial command center.
Rob Lauer, CEO of United Spaceports, emphasized that these satellites will provide unmatched security for data and communication.
“For the first time in human history, private citizens can own their own fully operational military-grade satellite — at a cost far lower than that of a private jet,” Lauer stated. “We’ve entered an era where sovereign control of data is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.”
Lauer pointed to a recent incident in March that highlighted the importance of secure communication. During a group chat involving national security leaders about potential military action against Houthie targets in Yemen, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the discussion.
Although the Trump administration downplayed the incident, critics have continued to raise concerns about the security implications, dubbing it “Signalgate,” after the messaging app used.
The Black Star 1000 package offers a range of high-tech features, including:
– An AI-powered Nvidia data center.
– A cryptocurrency coin wallet.
– A remote sensor camera for Earth observation.
– A telescope for viewing outer space.
– Military-grade secure satellite communications.
– An X-band downlink for data transfer.
– An S-band for command and control of the satellite.
– 24/7 dedicated support.
– Solar arrays to generate power for the satellite.
– One satellite ground station.
– A launch into low-Earth orbit (LEO) via a SpaceX rocket, allowing users to communicate with the satellite as it passes overhead.
– Modularized satellite architecture.
Lauer mentioned that additional features can be added for an increased cost. Customers may choose a geostationary orbit, a high-altitude option at around 22,000 miles above the equator that keeps the satellite stationary over a specific point on Earth.
Another added cost could include mounting a receiver on an aircraft to maintain communication during flights.
Admittedly, Lauer recognized that the market for personal satellites is small. However, he believes that wealthy individuals might see such technology as essential, similar to luxury cars and yachts.
“Until now, only governments had the power to space-based power and security,” Lauer noted. “Today, we hand the keys to space to the world’s most powerful business people. Because the truth is simple: It’s never really secure unless you own it. Early adopters will be the pioneers of a new space age — one where digital sovereignty, privacy, and security are not just promised, but guaranteed.”
United Spaceports Corp. has begun accepting deposits to launch personal satellites within the next two years. Looking ahead, Lauer envisions a future where the development of spaceplanes will facilitate the local launch of satellites from the Las Vegas Spaceport.
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