David Bridges
Now, it appears that the Russian Delegation is giving SpaceX a similar treatment by addressing its actions indirectly in a warning against the use of private satellites and their intervention. In a translated statement earlier this week, the Russian Delegation spoke out regarding the “extremely dangerous trend” of using civilian and commercial space technologies for military purposes, claiming that this had “become apparent during the events in Ukraine.” Although the statement didn’t mention any space company in particular, it did remind the “United States and its allies” about the repercussions of having the privatize sector involved in the country’s military activities.
The Russian Delegation explained that “quasi-civilian infrastructure” can be “a legitimate target for retaliation,” adding that the “provocative use of civilian satellites is questionable under the Outer Space Treaty.” Furthermore, it emphasized that the actions of Western countries could be putting the sustainability of peaceful space activities at risk. So far, Musk remained neutral in his stance on potential Russian propaganda proliferating online. In a previous tweet, the SpaceX founder revealed that Starlink won’t be censoring Russian news sources as he considers himself a “free speech absolutist.” Whether or not the Russian Delegation’s recent statement will coerce Starlink into withdrawing its internet coverage in Ukraine — or if Russia will resort to extreme measures to do so themselves, for that matter — remains to be seen.
Sophie Langley
Cameron Steel
