Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, is being deployed in parts of southern Appalachia devastated by Hurricane Helene to provide connectivity to remote areas. The Biden administration plans to deploy ground-based Starlink devices, with approximately 500 Starlink kits already deployed by private individuals and organizations. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has waived costs in affected areas to help with recovery efforts.
Former President Donald Trump has advocated for Starlink, prompting a response from the Biden administration acknowledging FEMA’s efforts in delivering Starlink terminals. Musk has responded to requests for Starlink internet, including in North Carolina, which were brought to his attention by Trump.
However, Musk’s involvement with Starlink has been criticized for allegedly politicizing access to the service. Last year, Ukraine accused him of limiting Starlink access for its forces during the Russian invasion. Musk defended his actions, stating that an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink in Crimea would have escalated conflict.
Musk has also faced scrutiny for potentially limiting access to Starlink for U.S. forces stationed in Taiwan. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party questioned Musk’s decisions, to which he replied that he was in compliance with his Pentagon contract. SpaceX has also insisted on majority ownership of a Starlink-based venture in Taiwan, leading to concerns about the impact of Musk’s commercial ties to China.
With his various companies, including Tesla and X, Musk’s influence in the space industry and beyond has raised questions about the potential consequences of his decisions on global economic and geopolitical stability.
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