Ukraine Seeks to Lift Speed Cap on SpaceX Military Satellite Service
An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is negotiating with SpaceX and the Pentagon to remove a restriction that affects drone operations, suggesting a political dimension to the issue.
Ukraine is engaged in discussions with SpaceX and the Pentagon to remove a speed limitation on its military satellite communication service, according to an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The restriction, implemented early Thursday, reduces the internet data connection when a terminal moves faster than 160 kph (100 mph), a speed common for Ukrainian drones equipped with Starshield, the military version of SpaceX's Starlink service.
This cap has forced drones to fly slower, potentially making them easier targets for Russian forces. Serhii Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to Zelenskyy, told The Associated Press that the issue appears to be more than just technical or business-related, suggesting a political component.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has stated that the U.S. government controls Starshield and that decisions regarding its use are made by the American military. The Pentagon has not commented on the restriction, and former President Donald Trump, when asked, denied ordering any such limitations and expressed doubt that Musk was responsible.
The speed restriction has impacted Ukraine's front-line operations, including the use of helicopters to intercept Russian Shahed drones, which travel at speeds exceeding 400 kph (250 mph). Starshield has been crucial for Ukraine's drone operations, providing a stable connection for interceptor drones.
Beskrestnov emphasized that Starshield is not used on Russian territory and is not employed for attacks on Russian oil refineries. He confirmed that the service has experienced communication outages in addition to the speed cap, which he believes were caused by the new limitations. SpaceX reportedly resolved the outages after Ukraine raised the issue, but the speed cap remains.
Ukraine is exploring whether it can switch to a different Starshield package designed for aircraft, which reportedly has no speed limit but is more expensive. Negotiations are ongoing with the Pentagon, SpaceX, and the U.S. government regarding the resolution of this issue.
Beyond the current restriction, Ukraine is also seeking alternatives to Starlink due to concerns that Russia is developing countermeasures for the network. Russia is reportedly deploying electronic warfare systems to disrupt Starlink, and Ukraine is investigating other satellite options, including networks from Amazon and OneWeb.
Beskrestnov also highlighted concerns about Russia's potential development of its Rassvet satellite network, which he believes could pose a significant threat by enabling real-time control of drones and missiles. He warned that if Russia achieves full satellite coverage, it could allow for precise, real-time attacks across Ukraine, potentially overwhelming existing electronic warfare defenses.