Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked a huge outpouring of solidarity across the world. Elon Musk also wanted to support Ukraine by delivering free satellite dishes to allow residents to access the Starlink Internet network.
An exchange on Twitter
On Saturday, February 26, Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, challenged Elon Musk on Twitter asking him to “ provide Starlink stations to Ukraine “. Shortly after, the SpaceX CEO responded to Fedorov, saying, ” Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals are on the way “.
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On the evening of February 28, the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister posted a photo thanking Musk for his responsiveness. In the photo, many Starlink dishes, although it is difficult to count exactly how many, are visible on the back of a truck.
As fighting continues in Ukraine, fears have been raised about the possibility of cyberattacks on critical internet infrastructure, which could make it more difficult to spread information to and from the country or reach out to Ukrainians with their loved ones. As reported CNBCMykhailo Fedorov’s call for help came after a suspected cyberattack disrupted Viasat’s satellite-internet service.
Starlink—here. Thanks, @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dZbaYqWYCf
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 28, 2022
Starlink is a flexible network
With Starlink, SpaceX wants to bring a high-speed Internet network to the most remote areas of the world thanks to a huge constellation of satellites, which currently has more than 2,000 devices. Their number should reach, at least, 12,000. In order to be able to connect to the network provided by the satellites, the users must obtain a parable in the amount of 499 dollars.
With this maneuver, Elon Musk demonstrates the flexibility of his network, which can be useful beyond simple use for individuals. Last September, he also explained how the company would use the links between the satellites to create a network capable of providing services even in countries that prohibit SpaceX from installing terrestrial distribution infrastructures.
The war is also fought online
In this specific case, however, it is difficult to know if Starlink will be able to provide a quality network without interruption while the fighting seems to be intensifying greatly; the antennas indeed require free access to the sky. It’s also unclear where exactly the dishes are, although a Kyiv-based person said they were connected to the network. Moreover, it is clear that the entire country cannot be covered by the network, remains to be seen if SpaceX will decide to send more material to Ukraine.
SpaceX’s approach demonstrates the extent to which digital technology is now an integral part of armed conflicts around the world. Warfare is fought both on the ground and online, as evidenced by the cyberattack against the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense that took place last week.