The US Ministry of Defense ordered the Starlink system from Elon Musk's SpaceX for $23 million to provide internet connection to Ukrainian military units. Musk himself spoke ambiguously about the use of terminals by Ukraine, proposing to transfer Crimea to Russia and maintain neutrality.
Internet for the Armed Forces
Starlink Supply Agreement
The US Department of Defense signed a contract with SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, for the purchase of the Starlink satellite Internet system for the needs of the Ukrainian army. The amount of the deal reached 23 million dollars. The contract runs from June 2022 and expires next month. An American official, who did not disclose his name, described this service as an important component of the security assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine.
Insignificant value for SpaceX
Bloomberg notes that $23 million is an insignificant amount compared to the hundreds of millions that Elon Musk's SpaceX received by becoming a key partner in the launch of some of the United States' national security satellites.
Musk's Ambiguous Position
Elon Musk himself spoke ambiguously about the use of Starlink terminals by Ukraine, stating , that they are intended for private and not military use. In 2022, he proposed that Ukraine maintain neutrality, hand over Crimea to Russia and hold re-elections in the temporarily occupied territories, which angered US President Joe Biden.
Alternatives to Starlink
Last year, the Swedish company Satcube started supplying its own satellite Internet terminals to Ukraine, which are actually analogues of Starlink. Unlike Musk's systems, the manufacturer of Satcube does not object to the use of its terminals for military purposes.
Recently, many intermediaries have appeared who purchase custom terminals of the SpaceX satellite Internet service and send them to the Russian troops in Ukraine. The company still has not disconnected the terminals in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Glossary
- SpaceX is an American aerospace company owned by Elon Musk, a developer of launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Starlink is a broadband satellite Internet system developed by SpaceX.
- Satcube is a Swedish company, a manufacturer of satellite Internet terminals.
- Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States.
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Answers to questions
What is the cost of the contract between the Pentagon and SpaceX to supply the Starlink system for the Ukrainian military?
How long will this contract last?
What was Elon Musk's position regarding the use of Starlink terminals in Ukraine?
What alternatives to the Starlink system exist to provide the Ukrainian army with internet?
Are there intermediaries supplying Starlink terminals to Russian forces in Ukraine?
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Discussion of the topic – SpaceX contract to supply Starlink to Ukraine: $23 million for communication security
The American defense contract with Elon Musk's company SpaceX for the purchase of Starlink satellite Internet for the Ukrainian military reached $23 million, Bloomberg reports with reference to an anonymous official. The agreement has been in effect since June last year and ensures stable communication in the war zone.
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OleksandrK
The new terms of Starlink contract services cause lively discussions 🤔 On the one hand, $23 million is a small amount of money for military needs. But on the other hand, this is an unprecedented case when a private company provides such significant support. It is interesting how events will develop further.
SofijaB
Of course, Starlink has become an integral part of the military infrastructure of Ukraine 💪 It is very symbolic that a private company plays such an important role in confronting the aggressor. I hope the contract will be extended.
JanK
In general, $23 million is a drop in the ocean compared to how much money Ukraine's defense requires 💸 But Musk's support is not only material aid, but also a powerful signal to the world about supporting our just struggle.
AliceM
I think the mass media are simply exaggerating this news 🙄 Starlink is only one of the elements of comprehensive support of Ukraine by Western countries. Although, of course, access to the Internet is critically important on the front line.
FrancescoR
Colleagues, let's not forget that Starlink was developed as a civilian project 🕵️♂️ Using it for military purposes is a good improvisation in extreme conditions. But in the future, specialized solutions are needed for the army.
GrumpyOldMan
Eh, young people... You are so easily fascinated by new trends 🧓 Starlink is just a toy of the rich Mask. Nothing good will come of it, the stakes are too high. It is better to focus on proven solutions rather than wasting resources.
KatarzynaW
And I like this success story of a private company 🚀 Starlink proved that modern technologies can be very useful even in the military sphere. This is an innovative example worth learning from.
IvanD
It's great that there are alternatives to Starlink from other companies 🛰️ Competition is always good. The main thing is that these technologies continue to work reliably and continue to help our Defenders.
EvaM
I am most concerned about the security issue 🔐 All these terminals transmit data via satellites. And don't they pose a risk for declassification of information? Communications must be carefully secured.
JacquesD
I think the appearance of Starlink forced the military to rethink the role of high technologies in modern conflicts ⚔️ Now everyone understands how critical fast access to online data is. This is a game changer.
OlhaN
Unfortunately, it is a shame that Musk has not yet disabled the terminals in the occupied territories 😒 This allows the enemy to use them. It would be better for him to clearly define his position in support of Ukraine.
MartinH
I don't think that $23 million is a 'small amount' for Starlink 💰 For a small private company, this is a considerable expense. It is good that they are helping, but one should not forget about their commercial interests.
OleksandrK
In general, it can be seen that the range of opinions is very wide 🗣️ Some welcome innovations, others are skeptical. But one thing is certain - Starlink played an important role in supporting Ukraine. And what will be the next steps - we'll see 🇺🇦