Ukraine has found an ally as it remains under an illegal invasion by Russia—SpaceX’s Starlink internet.
Tesla North reports Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, asked SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for Starlink internet, a mere 10 hours ago.
Just this Saturday afternoon, Musk replied to Federov by saying, “Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.”
Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 26, 2022
Fedorov has responded to Musk by saying, “thank you @elonmusk, thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine!”.
Starlink terminals are coming to Ukraine! Thank you @elonmusk, thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/xHDYHunhsW
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 26, 2022
Starlink is a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, allowing for internet to blanket anywhere on the planet. Users on the ground require satellite dishes that connect to Starlink satellites and ground stations for internet.
The situation in Ukraine means if Russian troops damage internet communications, government officials will be able to remain online, thanks to Starlink.
SpaceX recently also helped Tonga get connected to Starlink internet, after a volcano severed the island nation’s fibre optic cable, taking communications offline.
Starlink service offers high speed internet targeting rural areas around the globe, and also is available to many Canadians.
