Presidential adviser says Ukraine is in talks to lift speed limit on military satellite network
A restriction on moving terminals affects a system used by Ukrainian forces; talks with SpaceX and the Pentagon are reported.
TL;DR
- Ukraine is in talks with SpaceX and the Pentagon to lift a speed cap on its military satellite communications service, AP reports.
- The reported cap disconnects terminals moving faster than 160 kph (100 mph), a constraint relevant to drones equipped with Starshield.
- The reason for the restriction and whether the talks will change it remain unclear.
Ukraine is discussing with SpaceX and the Pentagon how to lift a speed cap on its military satellite communications service, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Associated Press. AP reports that the limit was imposed without warning early Thursday. [1]
The reported restriction cuts the connection when a terminal moves faster than 160 kph (100 mph). AP says that speed is common for Ukrainian drones equipped with Starshield, the military version of Starlink. [1] [2]
Axios separately reports that Zelenskyy said the satellite system remained restricted and that the limits affect military uses such as intercepting attack drones and moving supplies. The impact described by officials has not been independently quantified in the cited reports. [2]
Ukraine said it had no explanation for why the cap was imposed, according to AP. Whether the talks will restore access, change operating limits or produce a formal explanation remains unresolved. [1] [2]
Why it matters
The episode highlights the operational dependence of Ukraine’s forces on a privately controlled satellite network and the leverage that service rules can create during a conflict.
Editor's note
Impacts are attributed to Ukrainian officials and reporting. The source set does not establish the reason for the restriction or a resolution.