Starlink · SpaceX · Elon Musk · Ukraine · Pentagon · Donald Trump · CNBC Technology
Even Starlink competitors have relied on SpaceX launches to put their satellites in orbit
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As of Friday, Ukraine officials said the country is still experiencing restrictions on Starlink, which cut connectivity for drones or other aircraft traveling at speeds over 100 mph.
Key facts
- Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, venture and private equity investors have poured about $8 billion into Starlink and Starshield alternatives, according to research by Anderson
- The Pentagon's own contracting documents say SpaceX is the only provider that can meet some of its needs through 2026
- SpaceX has around around 11,000 satellites in orbit, according to data tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell
- Chad Anderson, founder and CEO of venture capital firm Space Capital, said such an alternative could be "two to three years away" and that "matching Starlink's scale is a longer road
Summary
After SpaceX restricted use of its Starlink and Starshield satellite internet services in Ukraine, causing fast-moving drones to disconnect and drop out of the sky, Kyiv is looking for alternatives. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said on Thursday that it has signed a letter of intent to develop new defense and satellite communication capabilities in partnership with Finnish tech companies Nokia and ICEYE, which makes satellites. "Modern warfare has proven that reliable communications are a matter of national security," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement. Zelenskyy also announced a partnership with Norway this week to jointly develop air defense and communications systems that could serve as an alternative to Starshield. Chad Anderson, founder and CEO of venture capital firm Space Capital, said such an alternative could be "two to three years away" and that "matching Starlink's scale is a longer road.