American billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has commented on the status of the Starlink satellite network, emphasizing the need to maintain its exclusively civilian purpose. According to him, using spacecraft for offensive military operations could turn them into a legitimate target for retaliatory strikes.
The Threat of Orbit Destruction
Commenting on X on publications about anti-satellite weapon capabilities, Musk recalled the tests conducted by Russia on November 15, 2021, when a Nudol missile destroyed an old satellite. The billionaire noted that the targeted destruction of Starlink orbiters would threaten not only communications but also overall space safety.
According to the SpaceX chief, destroying hundreds of satellites would create a massive debris field. This could trigger a chain reaction of collisions, known as the Kessler syndrome, making near-Earth orbit dangerous for other spacecraft for a long time. This environmental safety factor is cited among the key arguments against the militarization of the system.
Position on Military Restrictions
The use of Starlink terminals in combat zones has repeatedly been a subject of discussion. Musk previously stated that the system should not be used for long-range drone strikes. At the same/p> same time, Ukrainian experts, including presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, noted that technical terminal speed limits and the lack of coverage in Russia inherently make commercial equipment unsuitable for such tasks.
Western media have also repeatedly reported that SpaceX management maintains a strict stance on the geographical restrictions of the network. According to The Atlantic and The Kyiv Independent, efforts by Ukrainian authorities and diplomatic channels to change this policy have not yet resulted in revised access conditions.
Prospects and Significance of Technological Control
The discussion surrounding Starlink's status highlights the growing role of private space companies and their owners in modern geopolitical conflicts. The issue of balancing humanitarian communication support with escalation risks remains open, affecting critical infrastructure security and international space usage rules.
