In a recent report, global military leaders have expressed growing concerns over the dominance and control of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet technology by its founder, Elon Musk.
Starlink, a low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation, has revolutionized the satellite launch industry and emerged as the leading player in providing vital communications during crises, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
However, with limited regulation and oversight, Elon Musk's erratic and personality-driven style has raised alarms among political leaders and militaries worldwide, prompting questions about his influence and how he wields his authority over the system.
Starlink's Rapid Rise
Over the past decade, Musk's SpaceX has transformed the launch industry with its reusable Falcon 9 rocket.
Leveraging this advantage, SpaceX established itself as a major player in satellite internet technology through Starlink. According to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks the constellation on his website, there are 4,519 Starlink satellites in orbit out of 4,881 launches as of July 2023, of which 4,487 are operational.
The ambitious project's constellation could eventually grow to an astonishing 42,000 satellites.
A Crucial Role in Ukraine's Conflict
The significance and potential of Starlink came to the forefront during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the satellite internet system played a critical role in providing vital communications to the embattled country.
New York Times tells us in a report that Ukraine's Armed Forces, led by General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, raised the issue of Starlink with the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressing concern over the system's control and its indispensable role in Ukraine's battlefield decisions.
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Starlink's Unpredictable Control
Space.com reports that worries about Elon Musk's control over Starlink have been amplified by reports that he restricted access to the service multiple times during the war in Ukraine.
The restrictions were implemented through geofencing, with access fluctuating based on the war's movements and territorial gains.
Furthermore, Musk's refusal to provide Starlink access near Crimea, the Russian-controlled territory, raised questions about his commitment and potential alignment with Russian interests.
Global Alarms over Musk's Authority
It is not just Ukraine that has expressed concern over Starlink's control and Musk's influence.
At least nine countries, including nations in Europe and the Middle East, have raised the topic of Starlink with American officials in the past 18 months.
Some have questioned Musk's authority over the technology, with intelligence officials wary of the potential consequences of speaking publicly about their concerns, for fear of alienating Musk.
Taiwan, an internet infrastructure vulnerable to Chinese invasion, has been reluctant to use Starlink due to fears of falling into a "trap" because of Musk's business interests in China.
On the other hand, China has accused Starlink of interfering with its space operations and expressed suspicions that the satellite internet technology is intended for military purposes, citing its use in Ukraine.
In response to concerns about Starlink's dominance, the European Union has allocated funds for its own "sovereign" satellite constellation involving several European telco and space firms, recognizing the need to safeguard vital interests and reduce dependence on external providers.
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