SpaceX’s Starlink satellites have now been deployed over Ukraine with more on the way, according to the company’s billionaire CEO Elon Musk, after a call for help from the country’s vice prime minister on Saturday.
Mykhailo Fedorov, who is also Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, tweeted Musk requesting that SpaceX switch on its Starlink broadband satellites to supplement the country’s Internet services which have been disrupted during Russia’s ongoing invasion.
“@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people!” Fedorov posted.
Within hours, he had his answer. “Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route,” Musk tweeted in reply.
Fedorov tweeted his thanks to the billionaire following the news. The country’s official Twitter account @Ukraine also acknowledged Musk’s actions, tweeting “Thanx [sic], appreciate it”.
What are Starlink satellites?
Why is this significant? Well, Starlink satellites are able to provide broadband Internet connections from space without the need for fibre-optic cables on Earth.
The idea behind SpaceX’s project is to give high-speed Internet access to people in the world’s most remote areas through a constellation of satellites orbiting the planet.
Having Starlink satellites deployed above Ukraine will mean the embattled country will continue to have Internet connectivity without the threat of the Russians disabling it and cutting vital communications.
In order to connect to the Internet, users need a Starlink kit – which includes a router – and a clear view of the sky.
SpaceX has sent more than 2,000 satellites into space since the first 60 terminals were launched in 2019, with plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites in the Earth’s lower orbit in the future.
The project has not been without its detractors.
NASA in particular has been vocal in its criticism of SpaceX’s plans, arguing earlier this month in a letter to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that more objects in space would diminish “our planet’s ability to detect and possibly redirect a potentially catastrophic impact”.
