Russia and Iran have launched new accusations against SpaceX, arguing at a UN meeting that the Starlink satellite network would violate international norms and blur the line between commercial and military technologies, according to Bloomberg.
Starlink satellites
Diplomats from the two countries have said the use of Starlink raises questions about the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, a document signed by the United States and more than 100 other countries. The treaty stipulates, among other things, that activities carried out in outer space must take into account the interests of all states and be used for peaceful purposes.
In the official position submitted to the UN, the Russian delegation argued that large constellations of satellites operated by private companies could affect the long-term stability of space activities and complicate the safe use of outer space.
Starlink's role in Ukraine and Iran
The Starlink service has become, in recent years, an essential communication tool for Ukraine, in the context of the Russian invasion. The satellite network provides Internet connections in areas where terrestrial infrastructure has been destroyed or is inaccessible.
According to Bloomberg, the system has also been used by protesters in Iran, as authorities in Tehran have restricted access to the internet during anti-government demonstrations. Although Starlink is officially banned in Iran, some 50,000 terminals have reportedly been smuggled into the country in recent years, facilitating communication during times of information blackouts.
Tehran contested SpaceX's activity also within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency responsible for regulating global communications, claiming that providing services without the consent of national governments would violate international rules in the field.
Calls for regulation
Moscow is calling for the launch of international negotiations to limit the number of new satellites placed into orbit and is seeking clarification on the military use of frequencies officially registered for commercial activities.
“The mega-constellations of satellites are managed by private companies, and this does not contribute to the long-term stability of outer space,” the Russian side said in a statement.
Controversies on the front
In parallel, the use of Starlink in a military context has also generated disputes on the ground. After access to the system was reportedly restricted to Russian forces, reports emerged of major frontline coordination difficulties.
Later, cases were reported in which relatives of Ukrainian prisoners were allegedly pressured to register Starlink terminals in their names, with suspicions that the equipment was to be used in military operations.
The SpaceX company has not publicly commented, until now, on the accusations made during the international meetings.
