Key Points
- UCCA filed an FCC petition opposing SpaceX’s Starlink expansion, citing Musk’s Russia ties and environmental risks.
- Allegations include Starlink components in Russian drones and Musk’s reported discussions with Putin.
- Environmental concerns center on Boca Chica’s ecosystem and incidents harming endangered species.
- Musk’s role in the DOGE advisory committee raises potential conflicts of interest.
SpaceX’s plan to deploy an additional 22,488 Starlink satellites has met resistance from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), which has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block the initiative. The nonprofit cited CEO Elon Musk’s alleged connections to Russia and concerns over the environmental impact of SpaceX launches in Texas.
The UCCA’s filing follows reports of Musk’s influence in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Starlink terminals were pivotal to Ukraine’s defense after Russia’s invasion in 2022, but Musk admitted to blocking a Ukrainian attack on the Russian navy in Crimea by disabling Starlink coverage. The Pentagon has since taken over Starlink procurement for Ukraine, but UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr. argues Musk’s actions raise national security concerns.
The group also raised alarms about Musk’s rumored discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was reported in October, and allegations of Starlink components being used in Russian drones. While Musk denied selling Starlink terminals to Russia, the UCCA insists a thorough investigation is necessary.
Environmental concerns were another focal point of the petition. SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas, facility is accused of harming local ecosystems, including endangered species. Arthur Belendiuk, UCCA’s regulatory counsel, criticized Musk’s dismissive response to past incidents, calling for a halt to approvals until an environmental review is conducted.
Compounding these issues are Musk’s potential conflicts of interest due to his role in the forthcoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal advisory committee. UCCA argues Musk’s position could influence government oversight and FCC decisions, benefiting his companies unfairly.
The FCC may need to delay SpaceX approvals to address these legal, environmental, and ethical concerns. Despite Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr’s dismissal of similar objections in April, his nomination as FCC head in the incoming administration adds another layer of complexity.
