As tensions rise in Ukraine, House Democrats Robert Garcia, D-Calif. and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., have sent a letter to SpaceX demanding transparency from the defense contractor. This request comes after reports surfaced of potentially illegal purchases and use of Starlink satellite internet equipment by Russia in occupied territories of Ukraine. The congressmen have also announced a probe of SpaceX by the Democratic House Committee to examine the company’s safeguards and procedures for preventing illegal exports and use of its Starlink equipment and services.
The Washington Post first reported on the probe and the letter sent to SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell. The concerns stem from Russia’s apparent use of Starlink terminals in occupied territories, which goes against U.S. export controls that prohibit Russia from acquiring and utilizing U.S.-produced technology. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have also expressed their disapproval of the situation, citing mounting evidence of Starlink use by Russian forces in the region of Donetsk.
During the early days of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk garnered praise for providing Starlink terminals and satellite internet service. However, Musk later clarified that Starlink was intended for peaceful purposes like accessing online resources for education and entertainment, not for military applications. The controversy escalated when it was reported that Musk had ordered the shutdown of Starlink’s satellite network over Crimea to prevent a potential attack on Russian warships by Ukrainian forces.
House Democrats are not the only elected officials raising concerns about SpaceX’s operations. In February, the bipartisan House China committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., demanded that U.S. troops stationed in Taiwan be granted access to SpaceX’s military-specific satellite communication network, Starshield. Failure to provide access could lead to contractual breaches between SpaceX and the Department of Defense, according to Gallagher. SpaceX responded by stating that they are in full compliance with all U.S. government contracts.
The recent arrest of a man in New Jersey on charges of trafficking 675 SpaceX Starlink terminals purchased with stolen credit card accounts or hacked billing accounts has added to the scrutiny surrounding SpaceX. Authorities are currently investigating the details of the trafficking operation and the origins of the equipment. This incident further underscores the importance of proper oversight and control over the distribution and use of sensitive technology like the Starlink system.
The demands for transparency from SpaceX by House Democrats highlight the growing concerns regarding the company’s involvement in sensitive geopolitical issues and potential misuse of its technology. It is essential for SpaceX to address these issues promptly and ensure that its operations align with ethical and legal standards. The ongoing probes and investigations serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with providing advanced satellite technology in today’s interconnected world.