Democrats Investigate SpaceX’s Starlink Safety Measures

House Democrats are investigating if SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, took sufficient measures to prevent Russia from using the Starlink satellite internet service in its conflict with Ukraine.

According to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military spy agency, Russian forces were acquiring Starlink satellite terminals unlawfully from third countries and increasing their use in the war zones between the two countries.

The military official, Andriy Yusov, mentioned efforts being made to stop Russian forces from using SpaceX’s high-speed satellite internet terminals to coordinate attacks in occupied parts of Ukraine.

Reps. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., sent a letter to SpaceX, requesting information on complaints regarding potential illegal acquisitions of Starlink terminals, particularly in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, as reported by The Washington Post.

They are seeking details on how the company is collaborating with U.S. regulators to prevent the illicit trade of satellite terminals.

The lawmakers expressed concern that Russian forces could be violating U.S. sanctions by using SpaceX terminals.

Raskin and Garcia informed SpaceX’s President Gwynne Shotwell that Russia’s alleged use of Starlink poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s security, Ukrainian lives, and U.S. national security.

SpaceX provided Starlink terminals to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, which have been crucial for Ukraine’s war efforts.

Recent reports suggest that Russian troops are increasingly utilizing the Starlink satellite communication systems in eastern Ukraine, raising questions about the effectiveness of SpaceX’s safeguards and compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls.

Elon Musk refuted claims on Twitter that his company was selling Starlink terminals to Russia, stating that no terminals had been directly or indirectly sold to Russia to the best of their knowledge.

Reuters contributed to this story.