The Pentagon is working with the private space giant SpaceX and the Ukrainian government to prevent the Russian military from using Starlink terminals in the war against Ukraine. This was reported to the US Ministry of Defence.
US Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy John Plumb said at the Space Symposium that Starlink is a commercial product, meaning it is available on the commercial market. And Russia, unfortunately, has no problem with trying to buy something on the black market.
Plumb’s comments came amid reports that Russian forces somehow obtained SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, which provide communications and other command and control functions. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Russia and other actors, including the Sudanese military, have successfully acquired Starlink terminals on the black market and used them for military purposes. And despite calls from officials for SpaceX to intervene, many of those terminals are still operating.
When asked if the US Department of Defence would instruct SpaceX to create a list of approved terminals for use by the Ukrainian military and block service from Russian terminals, John Plumb said he did not believe the Department of Defence had such authority at all. “First of all, I don’t think that the Ministry of Defence is in a position to force them to do such things,” he said. “I am aware of Ukraine’s concerns and I am working on this issue with both Ukraine and Starlink.”
The Starlink problem highlights a dilemma for entities such as the Pentagon, which rely heavily on commercial technology that has outpaced the government’s ability to provide space services. This is especially true of SpaceX, a leader in space launches with rockets like the Falcon 9 and satellite communications services through the Starlink network. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the company is owned by the eccentric Elon Musk.
SpaceX’s Starshield project is similar to Starlink, but has been adapted for government needs and is currently under contract to the Pentagon and is seen as a key potential military user. In addition, SpaceX signed a $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for Starshield satellites. The NRO plans to launch the satellites next month. Asked if SpaceX had taken the necessary steps to prevent Starlink from being used, John Plumb emphasized the Department of Defence’s relationship with the company. “I consider them a great partner,” he said.
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