A space company announced Tuesday it will construct and launch a constellation of satellites to provide voice and data services over deep space.
SpaceX, which is building a network of rockets to send cargo into space, announced that it would launch the satellites from a Florida launch site, which also houses a communications satellite network.
The satellite network will include six satellites each of which will carry up to 16 gigabits per second (Gbps) of data, and SpaceX said it expects to be able to launch a total of 20 satellites in 2020.
The satellites will carry communications and other technology for commercial applications.
SpaceX plans to spend about $1.3 billion to build and launch the network, with the money coming from private investors.
Space X said the satellites would provide a communications network for the United States, as well as for other nations, in the event of a catastrophic event in space, such as a terrorist attack or an asteroid strike.
The network will allow companies to provide free voice, data and video services to the public, SpaceX said.
In addition to launching satellites, SpaceX plans on building and launching satellites for the US military.
It said it plans to launch two satellites in 2019 and two more in 2020 and is exploring other uses for its rockets.