The promised SpaceX’s Starlink terminals have arrived in Ukraine, as per a Ukrainian official. In a Monday tweet, Ukraine’s vice prime minister, Mykhailo Fedorov — who is also the minister of digital transformation — posted a picture that seems to show a truckload of SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, stating that they are now in the country and thanking SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. “You are most welcome,” Musk responded.
Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dZbaYqWYCf
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 28, 2022
Russian Invasion Has Disrupted Ukraine’s Internet Services
Furthermore, SpaceX’s Starlink terminals look like home satellite dishes, connect to Starlink satellites to access high-speed internet. A typical Starlink kit costs $499. On Saturday, Fedorov requested more Starlink stations in Ukraine as the Russian invasion is disrupting the country’s internet services.
“While you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people!” Fedorov tweeted at Musk. “We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.” In response, Musk said the Starlink satellite service has been activated in Ukraine, and promised terminals were on the way.
@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 26, 2022
In order to access the Starlink system, consumers must have a user terminal — a white flat dish that SpaceX sells directly to customers. With a clear view of the sky, the dishes can send and receive signals from any active SpaceX’s Starlink terminals that are overhead. It’s these terminals that have been shipped to Ukraine, though it’s unclear from the photo how many there are.
SpaceX’s Starlink Terminals Operates Via Satellites in Space
Much of the infrastructure that operates satellite internet exists in space, though there is still plenty of gear on the ground. In order to provide internet access, satellites must be able to communicate with gateways, fixed ground stations on Earth that are connected to existing fiber-optic cables.
It’s not the first time the company has offered SpaceX’s Starlink terminals to countries that require help. Last month, Musk suggested sending the terminals to Tonga, where a volcanic eruption damaged an undersea internet cable, cutting off internet access to the country. A SpaceX team has also been helping to restore internet access to Tonga.
Read more: Elon Musk Activates Starlink Internet Services in Ukraine
Source: The Verge
