SpaceX restricts Starlink for Ukrainian military, disrupting combat missions

SpaceX imposed restrictions on Starlink connectivity for terminals being used in moving vehicles overnight on 13-14 October, disrupting Ukrainian military operations.

Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to the president and radio technology expert

Quote: "I can confirm that tonight SpaceX introduced a speed limit for Starlink terminals operating in motion. The restriction currently applies to the Starshield military service package and is set at 100 mph [approx. 161 km/h – ed.]."

Details: Beskrestnov noted that Ukraine's defence forces had not been warned in advance about the restriction. As a result, he said, a number of combat missions have been disrupted.

"It is obvious that this action cannot be a coincidence and is linked to the current political situation," he added.

The expert confirmed information previously reported by Ukrainian volunteer Serhii Sternenko about restrictions on Starlink operations.

Sternenko previously reported that Starlink connectivity began dropping out overnight on 13-14 October when terminals exceeded speeds of 160 km/h. He also said that standard Starlink terminals continue to function.

Sternenko suggested that SpaceX may have introduced the restriction at the request of US President Donald Trump's administration.

The Exilenova+ Telegram channel also reported overnight that its readers had flagged up restrictions on Starlink along the line of contact.

Update: Sternenko later reports that Ukrainian military personnel are saying restrictions on the use of Starlink terminals have been tightened further. Connectivity now begins to drop out at speeds of 60-70 km/h.

Background: Ukrainian company Stetman is working on its own UASAT-NANO satellite communications system. The project is intended to reduce the defence forces' dependence on Starlink.

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