Ukrainian officials reported on Wednesday that SpaceX’s Starshield, a military satellite communications service, experienced interruptions while terminals were moving rapidly. This disruption affected drones used by Ukraine for attacks and air defence.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that, for the second consecutive night, Ukraine did not receive alerts about a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv. The US-operated Space-Based Infrared System is responsible for early missile launch warnings.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk noted that any operational restrictions were determined by the US government, echoing comments from Ukrainian defence officials. Relations between Ukraine and the US have soured recently, particularly after former US President Donald Trump announced a deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel and suggested Zelenskiy’s replacement.
“Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the President of the United States,” Musk explained.
European nations, which have been supportive of Ukraine, have struggled to offer immediate alternatives, revealing their dependence on American technology. Eutelsat, a European operator, offers satellite connectivity through its OneWeb network, but it cannot effectively replace Starlink in wartime without significant terminal changes, as the two systems are incompatible. Eutelsat assured that it continues to provide connectivity services in Ukraine via its network.
European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius remarked at a conference in Brussels that Europe relies heavily on American space capabilities. He urged the development of independent systems, directing attention to the EU’s planned IRIS² satellite constellation, which is still several years away from launch. Germany is also working on its military satellite constellation, with Kubilius urging collaborative efforts among European nations.
