In a strategic move to counteract the illicit use of Starlink satellite internet by Russian forces, the Pentagon is collaborating closely with SpaceX. During a recent hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, senior U.S. defense officials provided detailed insights into the efforts underway to prevent Russia from leveraging the cutting-edge satellite network in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) raised the issue with John Hill, the Pentagon’s deputy chief of space policy, pressing him on SpaceX’s cooperation in the matter. Hill affirmed that SpaceX has been “more than cooperative” in the initiative, actively working to identify and disable Starlink terminals acquired by Russian troops through black markets. “Not only has SpaceX been very cooperative with the entire United States government and the government of Ukraine, they’ve been forward leaning in identifying and providing information to us,” Hill stated during the congressional hearing.
The concern stems from reports that Russian forces have been utilizing Starlink terminals in occupied areas of Ukraine, a significant threat considering the crucial role of Starlink in Ukrainian military operations. The satellite internet service has been instrumental in Ukraine’s command-and-control and intelligence-sharing capabilities, providing a stark advantage over Russia’s outdated communications systems. “Starlink obviously would be enormously valuable to the Russians,” Warren noted, emphasizing the gravity of the threat posed by its misuse.
Despite the proactive steps taken by the U.S. government and SpaceX, Hill acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by the black market. “I think we can continue to identify them or turn them off but I think Russia will not stop” trying to obtain more terminals illicitly, Hill admitted. This ongoing cat-and-mouse game underscores the difficulty of completely shutting down the Russian military’s access to the network.
Senator Warren questioned whether future contracts for Starlink services should include specific requirements to prevent the misuse of the satellite internet network by Russian forces. Hill suggested that operational details could be more appropriately discussed in private briefings, given the sensitive nature of the capabilities involved.
Relevant articles:
– Pentagon working with SpaceX to cut off Russian military’s illicit use of Starlink internet, spacenews.com, 05/23/2024
– Russia likely found way to disrupt Starlink connectivity — report, Yahoo News Australia, 05/23/2024
– Russian space operations threaten US satellites in orbit, Washington says — online.ua, News.online.ua, 05/22/2024
– SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites from Florida, Yahoo News Canada, 05/21/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.