Russian troops in Ukraine have allegedly been usingSpaceX ’s Starlink terminalsto get internet access during the ongoing war that has seen one C of thousands of casualties on each side . And now , House Democrats are in the end asking severe questions of SpaceX leading about how this could be happening , according to an unresolved varsity letter published on Thursday .
The letter to SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell from some top Democrats in the House reach the lawsuit thatStarlink ’s eminent - stop number satellite internet accessis considered essential to Ukraine ’s continued ability to fight against Russia ’s invasion , which first started in February 2022 .
Theletter from the Democrats , led by Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Robert Garcia of California , stresses that Russia ’s utilisation of Starlink tech would be “ potentially in violation of U.S. sanction and export controls . ”
Camouflaged Starlink satellite internet system during military exercises in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine, June 2023Photo: Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto (Getty Images)
TheWall Street Journalwas the first to report on February 15 that Russian soldiery have been using Starlink net for “ quite a long time , ” according to Ukraine ’s Lt . Gen. Kyrylo Budanov .
Russia is believed to be acquire the Starlink terminals from black market sellers , sometimes mystify as German contrivance manufacturers according to the Journal , but SpaceX drawing card presumptively have perceptivity into who and how these terminals might be used by unlawful Russian actor . For instance , Musk shut off Starlink approach for Ukrainian - assure devices in Crimeaearly in the war , ostensibly to stop an “ escalation ” of the conflict .
“ It is alarming that Russia may be obtaining and using your technology to coordinate attacks against Ukrainian troops in lawlessly occupied area in Eastern and Southern Ukraine , potentially in violation of U.S. sanctions and exportation controls , ” drop a line the Democrats in the new alphabetic character .
The letter even quotes SpaceX CEO Elon Musk , who previously said , “ [ t]o the good of our knowledge , no Starlinks have been sold immediately or indirectly to Russia . ” But the Democrats point out Ukraine ’s armed forces tell Russia ’s use of Starlink is “ systemic , ” raising questions about Stalink ’s blameworthiness in all of this .
“ We are concerned that you do not have appropriate guardrails and policies in shoes to assure your applied science is neither acquired nor used illegally by Russia , ” the letter warns .
The letter ends with seven inquiry get to SpaceX about Starlink and Russia ’s use of the satellite applied science :
How many reports or complaints has SpaceX receive regarding possible illegal acquisition , swap , or economic consumption of Starlink terminals , including in Russian - engross territory in Ukraine ? How many news report or charge has SpaceX probe ?
How does SpaceX assess , review article , or evaluate reports or complaint connect to the potential illegal acquirement , trade , or use of Starlink terminals , include in Russian - occupied territories in Ukraine ?
What guidance and/or policy does SpaceX have to keep illegal acquisition , trade , or economic consumption of Starlink pole ?
What counselling and/or policy does SpaceX observe if it determine an doer has illegally develop , merchandise , or used Starlink terminals ?
What actions has SpaceX taken to ensure Starlink exploiter are compliant with U.S. sanctions and exportation control laws — include U.S. sanctions and exportation ascendency related to Russia ?
What actions has SpaceX taken or considered contract to eliminate existing or potential security vulnerabilities that worker , such as Russia , may tap to illicitly acquire , swap or use Starlink terminals , including in Russian - occupied neighborhood in Ukraine ?
How does SpaceX and its subdivisions exploit with the Departments of Justice , Commerce , and/or the Treasury to prevent illicit acquirement , trade , or habit of satellite terminal , including in Russian - occupied dominion in Ukraine ?
The Democrats have give SpaceX until March 20 to respond . SpaceX did n’t forthwith react to emailed questions Thursday good afternoon . We ’ll update this post if we hear back .
Elon MuskHyperloopPoliticsSpace technologySPACEXStarlinkWireless web
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