Ukrainian groups concerned about the relationship between Elon Musk and Russia express opposition to SpaceX’s injection of 22,500 Starlink satellites into orbit – GIGAZINE

SpaceX, an aerospace company led by Elon Musk, has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch approximately 30,000 artificial satellites in order to further expand its satellite internet “Starlink” service.(PDF file)7,500 launches approvedIt has been. Furthermore, as of November 2024, a Ukrainian American organization has announced that 22,488 satellites have not been approved.American-Ukrainian Congressional Committee(UCCA) has asked the FCC not to approve the launch due to concerns about Musk’s ties to the Russian government.

SpaceX faces opposition to Starlink expansion from Ukrainian group
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/05/spacex-faces-opposition-to-starlink-expansion-from-ukrainian-group.html

When Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, raising concerns that the country’s communications infrastructure would be rendered unusable, SpaceX immediately launched Starlink services in Ukraine.Connection kitis being sent to Ukraine.

Satellite internet “Starlink” will be available in Ukraine in no time at the direction of Elon Musk – GIGAZINE

by Tim Reckmann

Then the Ukrainian army launched an attack on the Russian army.Powered by StarlinkStarlink was used not only for civilian purposes but also for military purposes. However, SpaceX claims that “the provision of Starlink was intended to be used for humanitarian purposes and was not intended to be used for offensive purposes,” and in February 2023, the Ukrainian militarySome restrictions on usageI did. In addition, Starlink will be unavailable over the Crimean Peninsula in September 2023 to prevent Ukrainian forces from attacking the Russian Navy.measuresSpaceX was harshly criticized by senior Ukrainian government officials when it was reported that the

Furthermore, despite SpaceX’s claim that it would not sell Starlink terminals to Russia, it has been revealed that Starlink is being used on the front lines of the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine.reportedIn addition, it has been reported that Mr. Musk has been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2022, and concerns about the relationship between Mr. Musk and the Russian government are gradually increasing.

Elon Musk has been in contact with President Putin since 2022 and has been asked not to provide Starlink services in Taiwan because of China – GIGAZINE

In response to these concerns, UCCA President Michael Sokiw Jr. said, “We need to determine whether Starlink was used to help a foreign enemy, Russia. “It poses a threat not only to people but also to national security,” he said, urging the FCC not to approve SpaceX’s satellite launch.

The UCCA also points out the environmental impact of SpaceX’s rocket launches, with Arthur Berendiuk, UCCA’s chief regulatory advisor, saying, “SpaceX’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, is under the Endangered Species Act. It is a biologically diverse and essential habitat for many species, including wildlife protected under the Environmental Protection Agency, and a rocket launch in this area could cause fires or debris in adjacent environmentally sensitive areas. “It creates a risk of rain,” he said.

In addition, when it was reported that nine nests of endangered bird species were destroyed by a rocket launch in July 2024, Mr. Musk said, “To atone for this heinous crime, I will eat omelets for a week.” I will refrain from doing so.” In response, Berendiuk accused Musk of “responding to legitimate concerns by local environmental groups with sarcasm and ridicule.”

It has been revealed that Mr. Musk will be appointed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the next Donald Trump administration, and the UCCA says, “The companies owned by Mr. Musk are under contract with the government. Not only are they profiting, but they are also profiting from the actions taken by the government, including the FCC. Putting Mr. Musk in charge of DOGE is like letting a carnivorous fox guard the chicken coop. ” he criticized.

Musk and SpaceX’s senior vice president of global business and government affairs, Tim Hughes, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the UCCA request.