SpaceX’s Starlink Internet is already active in Ukraine. But will the company be able to maintain it online?
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue to take lives and destroy infrastructure as the country invades. This infrastructure disruption disrupted Internet access in Ukraine, prompting a government official to publicly request Starlink satellite internet access for the country from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Musk committed, activated the Starlink service in Ukraine and sent additional hardware. But with ongoing attacks on infrastructure, how will Ukraine stay connected?
“@Elonmusk @SpaceX @SpaceXStarlink thank you very much! Starlink keeps our cities connected and emergency services save lives! With the Russian attacks on our infrastructure, do we need generators to support Starlinks and life-saving services online – ideas? ” asked on Twitter today (March 2).
Connected: SpaceL Starlink satellite internet terminals arrive in Ukraine
@elonmusk @SpaceX @SpaceXStarlink thanks a lot! Starlink keeps our cities connected, and emergency services are saving lives! With the Russian attacks on our infra, do we need generators to support Starlinks and life-saving services online – ideas? @Honda @ChampionGen @westinghouse @DuroMaxPower pic.twitter.com/FkUZ6s08AOMarch 2, 2022
Fedorov points out an important point: Although Starlink operates without the need for traditional Internet infrastructure, Earth-related hardware still needs power. And as Russian attacks bomb the country, Ukraine’s Internet access will continue to be threatened.
Fedorov’s statement publicly sought help in acquiring generators to keep Starlink online for Ukrainians. But Musk responded with an alternative proposal.
“Solar panels + batteries are better than the generator, as there is no heat signal or smoke and no fuel.” wrote in response on Twitter.
Fedorov’s concern also points to the importance of Internet access for the attacked country.
The Internet connection allows what Fedorov described as “life-saving” communication, whether it’s family members displaced and separated by a rocket attack, or first aid teams trying to find a wounded person. Internet access is a critical component for those in Ukraine struggling to survive the invasion.
Editor’s note: Fedorov responded to Musk later today, declaring:
“Good idea – it should work even with Ukrainian winters! We’ll keep you posted as we release more Starlinks across the country. THANK YOU again for helping us with @SpaceXStarlink – it will save many lives. “
Russian criticism
Dmitry Rogozin, director general of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency, spoke publicly on Twitter about the effects of the war on space relations. Rogozin recently announced that Roscosmos will suspend the launch of the UK-based Internet satellite company OneWeb, scheduled for Friday (March 4th) aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, if the company and the UK government do not meet certain requirements.
Now Rogozin is talking about the provision by StarX of the Starlink service to Ukraine, according to a statement translated and shared by space enthusiast Katya Pavlushchenko.
Dmitry @Rogozin to Russia Today: “When Russia realizes its highest national interests on the territory of Ukraine, @elonmusk appears with its Starlink, which was previously declared purely civilian. Here is this mud (murlo) opened by itself .. . “https://t.co/8htcXn0YmnMarch 2, 2022
“When Russia pursues its highest national interests in Ukraine, @elonmusk appears with its Starlink, which was previously declared purely civilian,” Rogozin said, referring to the invasion as a pursuit of national interests, as well as the country. of Ukraine as a territory.
“I warned about it, but our” muscophiles “said – he is the light of the world [of] astronautics. Here, look, he chose the country. I don’t even blame him personally. This is the West, which we should never trust, “Rogozin added.
Email Chelsea Gohd at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.