SpaceX CEO Elon Musk knowledge of the space exploration company's work for the US military and intelligence community is limited by the level of its security clearance, but the company is reportedly not seeking a higher clearance for Musk due to concerns about disclosures that could affect his current clearance.

The The Wall Street Journal reports citing people familiar with the matter that SpaceX's lawyers recommended that company leadership not pursue higher security clearances for Musk because he would be questioned about contacts with foreign officials as well as his previous drug use.

Musk holds a "big secret" release that gives him access to some SpaceX's sensitive program. However, he did not have the higher-level permissions for "sensitive compartmental information" that about 400 SpaceX employees have, nor the permissions for "special access programs" that a small number of the company's employees have, the Journal reported.

SpaceX's legal team is exploring the risks that may arise from pursuing an advanced safety clearance for Musk in response to a June 2023 Journal report about the billionaire entrepreneur's use of ketamine.

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SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk's security clearance limited his access to some of the company's national security projects, the WSJ reported. (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)

One of the outlet's sources said the analysis found it would increase Musk's risk of being denied a more advanced release or potentially losing his current secret clearance.

It may also require the company to increase security to protect confidential parts of its business from Musk, or to obtain a waiver to continue national security work because of Musk's role as the company's CEO, the report said.

With his current release of secrecy, Musk does not have access to certain information about SpaceX's work on a spy satellite programcalled StarShield. He was also not allowed to enter company facilities where classified work was performed, and in many cases, had no knowledge of classified cargo carried by SpaceX launches, according to the report.

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President-elect Donald Trump, left, appointed Elon Musk, right, and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, which could give them the ability to review classified programs in an effort to cut their costs. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The process for applying for a federal security clearance asks applicants if they have used certain drugs in the past seven years and authorization holders may have had their access revoked because of drug abuse. It also requires disclosure of communication with foreigners.

In contrast, CEOs of SpaceX competitors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martinand the two companies' joint space venture, United Launch Alliance, has permission for sensitive compartment information, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with their release.

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SpaceX's business with the US defense and intelligence agencies has grown rapidly in recent years. (REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters Photo)

Musk obtained his top-secret clearance in 2022 after he previously held a top-secret clearance, but the process of approving his top-secret clearance took several years, which people familiar with his clearances believe is due to smoking weed during an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast in 2018, due to the material being illegal under federal law.

Musk's work with the incoming Trump administration, which he appointed him and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)could give him the opportunity to access classified information if President Donald Trump chooses to exercise powers that would allow him to do so.

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The Journal reports that SpaceX is looking for a location to house a secure facility where Musk and DOGE employees will be able to safely review classified information during their cost-cutting efforts.

FOX Business reached out to SpaceX for comment.