SpaceX awarded contract to supply Starlink satellite internet terminals for Ukraine

The US Department of Defense has signed a contract with SpaceX to supply Starlink satellite internet terminals. This was reported by Reuters news agency, citing the Pentagon.

Here's What We Know

Satellite communications represent a vital layer in Ukraine's overall communications network. The Pentagon continues to work with international partners to provide Ukraine with satellite and communications capabilities.

The Starlink constellation in orbit already numbers over 4000 first- and second-generation satellites. In the future the number will increase by almost one order of magnitude. SpaceX has been providing satellite internet services to Ukraine practically since the early days of its large-scale invasion.

Last year, Elon Musk said that SpaceX could not permanently fund Starlink, as it was costing $20 million a month. Later, the billionaire said that the company will still pay for satellite internet service, no matter what.

At the moment, neither SpaceX nor the US Department of Defense disclose either the amount of the deal or the number of Starlink terminals that will be transferred to the Ukrainian side. But we do know that the contract will be funded by the US Congress as part of the USAI initiative.

Source: Reuters