Starlink is a satellite communications network provided by SpaceX, the space development company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. US Department of Defense officials are working with SpaceX to prevent the Russian military from illegally using it in its war against Ukraine.
This was announced by John Plum, the Pentagon’s assistant secretary for space policy. Plumb, who is about to retire, said in an interview, “The US government is committed to working with the Ukrainian government and SpaceX to prevent Russia from using the Starlink terminals without authorization.”
“Right now, we’ve done a good job of preventing Russian abuse, but Russia will continue to try to find ways to exploit Starlink and other commercial communications systems,” Plumb said. “This problem will continue, but I believe we have been able to find a good solution with Starlink and Ukraine.”
Starlink satellite communications terminal
Source: Bloomberg
The communications terminals that connect to SpaceX’s low-orbit satellites are highly portable. Plumb declined to elaborate on what tactics, techniques and procedures are being used to prevent Russia from using it. Ukrainian government officials also declined to comment.
Starlink devices are sold in Russia through e-commerce sites. According to the seller, the device is active because the contract is in the name of a person who lives in a European country where this technology is approved, and is not located on the Russian mainland, but near the border, as in Russian- occupied territory in Ukraine You can contact .
But this week, users have been reporting unprecedented connectivity issues. On the social media platform Telegram, one seller advised a buyer to move to a more expensive global service plan. Bloomberg has not been able to independently confirm whether these solutions will restore threatened ties in Russia.
Despite Musk’s aggressive and volatile comments and posts on X’s social media platform, Plumb made it clear that the deal with SpaceX is going well.
“SpaceX is a very reliable partner for me,” said Plumb “They innovate quickly and provide valuable services to the Department of Defense.” SpaceX also competes with United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between top defense companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing, which also provides rockets to launch satellites for national security purposes.
Plumb said he has “never spoken to Musk” during his two years at the Pentagon.
Original title: Musk’s SpaceX, Pentagon Team Up to Block Russia From Starlink (excerpt)
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