SpaceX limits Starlink in Ukraine: Now satellite internet cannot be used to control drones

SpaceX has decided to limit the use of Starlink satellite internet for drones in Ukraine. This was announced by the company's president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell during a conference in Washington DC.

Here's What We Know

The Ukrainian military is now unable to use satellite internet to control drones. According to the company's COO, this decision was taken due to the fact that drone control is outside the scope of the agreement that was signed between Ukraine and SpaceX.

However, Gwynne Shotwell said she was aware of the military using terminals for communications and described this as "normal". SpaceX does not want satellite internet to be used as a weapon, however. Along with that, the president did not specify what measures had been taken to limit Starlink's capabilities.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces use commercial drones to correct artillery fire and drop bombs on enemy positions. One drone carrying a Starlink antenna was shot down last month.

Source: Reuters