SpaceX is preparing to send another shipment of Starlink terminals to Ukraine, a move that could help restore connectivity but also raises concerns about potential targeting.
As Ukraine continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion, the country has experienced intermittent internet access. Some outages result from direct damage to telecommunications infrastructure, while others stem from broader power failures affecting multiple services.
NetBlocks, an organization that tracks network disruptions and shutdowns, recently reported alarming connectivity losses in and around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The outage has hindered the publication of radiation readings and limited monitoring by international agencies, intensifying public safety concerns.
Satellite broadband services such as Starlink can provide more reliable connectivity during crises and in remote areas where ground infrastructure is damaged or unreliable. The strategic value of satellite internet influenced government decisions in other countries as well—for example, former advisor Dominic Cummings cited such capabilities when the UK discussed OneWeb.
After a public request from Ukraine’s vice prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov, an initial batch of Starlink stations arrived in Ukraine on 28 February. Users there reported connection speeds exceeding 200 Mbps in some locations, demonstrating the service’s potential to sustain vital communications.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that another shipment of Starlink systems would arrive this week following a conversation with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Zelenskyy said these systems are intended to support cities damaged during the conflict.
One limitation of consumer Starlink terminals is their reliance on local power. In response, SpaceX has been working on software updates to lower peak power consumption, with the aim of allowing terminals to run from vehicle power sources like a cigarette lighter socket in emergencies.
However, Elon Musk warned that Starlink terminals could become targets because they represent one of the few consistently available communication methods. He advised users to camouflage dishes and place them away from populated areas to reduce the risk of visual detection.
A more urgent warning came from John Scott-Railton, Senior Researcher at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who noted that adversaries could use the uplink transmissions from Starlink terminals as beacons for airstrikes. Scott-Railton highlighted precedents where satellite ground terminals were targeted in other conflicts, such as strikes on VSAT installations in Syria.
Given these risks, Starlink users in Ukraine must take precautions to avoid exposing themselves and others to potential harm. Practical measures include concealing equipment, minimizing the visible signature of terminals, operating from remote or sheltered locations when possible, and coordinating with local authorities or humanitarian organizations on safe installation and use.
(Image Credit: SpaceX under CC BY-NC 2.0 license)
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