Starlink: Why the new sovereign of low-earth orbit is bad news

Starlink: Why the new sovereign of low-earth orbit is bad news

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Awareness in IT

Context:

In January 2023, images circulated on Russian Telegram channels revealed a Ukrainian drone equipped with a modified Starlink dish, enabling remote control for tasks like surveillance and military coordination.

Space-Based Internet

• Space-based internet involves deploying constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions.

Role of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in Space-Based Internet

• Low Earth orbit, typically located between 180 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface, plays a crucial role in the viability of space-based internet projects.
• LEO satellites have significantly lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites located much higher above the Earth.

Starlink: A Game-Changing Project

• Starlink, initiated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is a leading player in the space-based internet arena.
• SpaceX aims to deploy a mega-constellation of satellites, numbering in the thousands, to offer global internet coverage.
• These satellites operate in LEO, allowing for reduced latency and enhanced connectivity compared to traditional geostationary satellites.

Starlink’s Significance in Ukraine’s Communication

• Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, conventional infrastructure like fiber lines and cell towers were destroyed.
• Starlink emerged as a lifeline for communication, underscoring its strategic importance in war-affected regions.
• Ukrainian reliance on Starlink highlighted the control a tech CEO could exert over a nation’s connectivity.

Control Over Starlink Operations and Implications

• Ukrainian government had to coordinate with Starlink for enabling/disabling access in specific regions.
• This reliance on a third party raised concerns about accessibility during emergencies and external control over national communication.
• Similar control dynamics were observed in Taiwan, leading to discussions about a joint venture for local control.

Pentagon’s Intervention and Challenges to Autonomy

• Pentagon approved a deal for 500 new Starlink terminals for Ukraine in June 2023.
  • Aimed to reduce SpaceX’s interference in Ukraine’s communication operations.
• This move reflected the need to mitigate external influence on sovereign nations’ connectivity.
• Traditional infrastructure operates under public utility principles, whereas satellite internet companies exercise considerable control due to technology and regulatory gaps.

Activism in Iran and Global Influence

• Starlink provided connectivity to activists and protestors during Iran’s internet shutdowns.
• Over 100 Starlink terminals were active, enabling communication despite the government’s opposition.
• This highlighted Starlink’s global influence beyond the boundaries of traditional geopolitical power plays.

Monopoly Factors and Competing Initiatives

• Starlink’s monopoly resulted from Musk’s vision, advantageous regulations, and SpaceX’s reusable rockets.
• Competitors faced challenges due to geopolitical considerations and technological limitations.

Competing Technologies and Initiatives

• OneWeb, backed by Bharti Airtel and the U.K. government, faced setbacks due to geopolitical concerns.
• European Union earmarked funds for a sovereign satellite constellation by 2027.
• China plans a massive LEO constellation as an alternative to Starlink’s dominance.
• A diverse range of initiatives indicates the growing recognition of the need for connectivity sovereignty and reduced dependency on one individual’s decisions.