Elon Musk has warned that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next target of Russia in Ukraine. According to the 50-year-old business magnate, there is a possibility that Russia could try to take down the Starlink satellite broadband system in Ukraine, amid its ongoing invasion of the country.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning here that Starlink is the only American communications system functioning in some regions of Ukraine. To recall, the Starlink satellite terminal arrived in Ukraine earlier this month. Musk’s warning comes after an internet security researcher pointed out that the satellite communication devices are likely to attract airstrikes from Russia. Taking to Twitter, Musk shared an important warning.
Re: @elonmusk‘s starlink donation.
Good to see.
But remember: if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users’ uplink transmissions become beacons… for airstrikes.
Some background 1/ pic.twitter.com/0p6J87TtUF
— John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) February 27, 2022
Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022
In his tweet, Musk noted that Starlink is the only communications system working in some regions of Ukraine that’s not backed by Russia. As a result, the chances of it being targeted are quite high. “Please use with caution,” he wrote. Taking to the comments section, Ukraine minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov replied to Musk’s warning by assuring that they will use Starlink for Ukrainians after their victory.
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Elon Musk Warns That Russia Could Target Starlink
However, Musk still urged users to not turn on Starlink unless they need it. Moreover, he asked them to place the antenna as far away from people as possible. Aside from that, the SpaceX CEO asked Ukrainians to put a “light camouflage over antenna” to prevent visual detection. Earlier this month, Jack Sweeney, who has been tracking planes of Musk, started monitoring the movements of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other influential people in the country.
Place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022
However, tracking Starlink’s satellite service in Ukraine and targetting it will be Russia’s aim since it will hamper the communications between cities. Ukraine’s internet services and communication networks are not functioning properly as Russia continues to intensify its attack on the country. Moreover, by attacking Starlink, Russia will be able to effortlessly invade other cities. This will be due to the lack of communication between the cities. In the meantime, Musk has assured that he will be sending more stations following a minister’s appeal to provide Starlink terminals for the satellite broadband service.
So, this is a notable alert for those using Starlink connections in Ukraine. Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Musk for keeping Ukrainian cities connected. He also appreciate Musk’s vital role in saving lives by ensuring emergency services are active. Responding to Fedorov, Musk noted that SpaceX will even update its software to minimize peak power consumption. As a result, Ukrainians will be able to charge Starlink via a car’s cigarette lighter, according to a report by WION.
Mobile roaming is now working. The Tesla CEO noted that a phased array antenna will be able to maintain signal even on moving vehicles. Meanwhile, Google has halted selling online ads in Russia.
