The restrictions imposed on some Starlink terminals in Ukraine have disrupted several drone missions and complicated the logistics of the armed forces. At least that’s what Ukrainian officials claim, who argue that SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, would have limited the speed of the terminals in motion, without any prior warning.
Serghei Beskrestnov, technological advisor to President Volodimir Zelenski, wrote on Telegram that SpaceX has introduced an overnight speed limit for moving Starlink terminals. According to him, in the absence of an announcement, many missions would have been interrupted.
The Ukrainian official does not rule out that the measure could be related to the political situation, reports europalibera.md. According to him, the military version of the system would no longer function at speeds over 160 kilometers per hour.
According to Ukrainian military, some missions were cancelled, after the connection was interrupted for 10-20 seconds even at speeds of 110-120 kilometers per hour, making drone control difficult.
Starlink terminals are essential for Ukraine’s military communications and for guiding long-range attack drones, used against Russian logistics in the occupied territories of the south and east of the country. The satellite internet system has been used by Ukrainian forces since the early months of the Russian invasion.
It is not clear whether SpaceX’s measure is related to Washington’s pressures on Kiev to stop attacks on oil refineries in Russia.
SpaceX has not yet commented on the allegations.