SpaceX disrupted Starlink satellite internet service to Ukrainian submarine drones in 2020 as they prepared to attack the Russian Black Sea Fleet, according to a forthcoming biography of the company’s founder, Elon Musk. The incident highlights the US government’s reliance on SpaceX and the power it wields as a dominant player in the industry. The biography, written by Walter Isaacson, reveals that the drones lost connectivity and were rendered harmless due to the interruption of service. Ukrainian and American officials urgently sought to have the service restored and approached Musk directly. Although the incident is a testament to SpaceX’s significant influence, it also raises concerns about the balance between private sector innovation and government control. Brian Weeden, from the Secure World Foundation, explains that while the government benefits from private sector innovation, it also gives more power to individual billionaires who control these companies. The incident underscores the need for the government to manage this delicate relationship effectively. SpaceX is currently the only company capable of transporting NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, as well as launching Pentagon national security satellites. The company operates more satellites than any other entity globally and has become a crucial lifeline for Ukraine after the country lost its communication systems in the wake of Russia’s invasion. However, Musk grew concerned about Ukraine’s potential for using Starlink for offensive purposes, indicating that the service was intended for peaceful and civilian use. The incident led to the Pentagon granting SpaceX a contract, enabling more control and reducing the risk of sudden service shutdowns. Defense official Jeff Jurgenson believes contracts and legal agreements are essential in addressing concerns and preserving government control over commercial technology. SpaceX’s success can be attributed to its vertical integration, allowing it to build and launch satellites at a lower cost compared to other companies. While other satellite companies have struggled or gone bankrupt, SpaceX’s Starlink has outperformed its competitors. The company is also awaiting the outcome of a lawsuit filed by an Amazon shareholder, who alleges that Amazon awarded launch contracts unfairly. Weeden praises SpaceX’s innovative and pioneering work in the industry, emphasizing that competitors have yet to match its achievements. He further highlights the company’s persistence and relentless pursuit of overcoming obstacles as crucial factors in its success. SpaceX’s ability to deliver on time and on budget, a result of its fixed-priced contracts, has also contributed to its dominance. The Space Force is closely watching SpaceX’s Starship capabilities, which has the potential to lift significant payloads into orbit. Additionally, SpaceX has been lauded for maintaining its Starlink service during Russian jamming incidents, enhancing its reputation as a reliable and resilient partner.
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