On October 25, 2026, Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, issued a warning about the potential risks of using Starlink satellites for military operations. He emphasized that turning Starlink into a tool for offensive actions could lead to serious consequences not only for Ukraine but for the entire space environment.
Musk's Statement on the Civilian Status of Starlink
Musk stressed that Starlink should remain a civilian service, as its use in combat could make the satellites targets for attacks. He believes that destroying satellites could trigger a chain reaction, leading to the creation of space debris that would complicate further use of the orbit.
Risks to Space Infrastructure
Specifically, Musk noted that:
- The destruction of Starlink satellites could lead to a large amount of debris in space.
- This debris could hinder future space missions and research.
- If the enemy starts destroying satellites, it could trigger a domino effect, complicating access to space for everyone.
Context of Threats from Russia
This statement from Musk was a response to rumors about the possible use of Russia's anti-satellite missile "Nudol." In 2021, Russia had already conducted tests of this missile, destroying an old satellite, which raised international concerns about the risks associated with space debris.