SpaceX Charges US Department of Defense for Ukraine Starlink Costs

"Service Cost Billed at $400 Million"
Musk's Pro-Russia Controversy Likely to Intensify

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] SpaceX, the space company operated by Elon Musk, has reportedly billed the U.S. Department of Defense for the Starlink satellite internet service it provided to Ukraine. The controversy has escalated as SpaceX halted the free support of Starlink following Musk's recent pro-Russian remarks posted on Twitter.

On the 13th (local time), CNN reported, based on an exclusive document, that "SpaceX demanded payment from the U.S. Department of Defense, stating it can no longer bear the financial burden of the Starlink service provided to Ukraine," and "requested $400 million (approximately 570 billion KRW) for one year of service."

CNN pointed out, "This document was confirmed amid reports that the Starlink service in the frontline areas has recently been suspended as the Ukrainian military attempts to reclaim Russian-occupied territories," and added, "The costs for terminals and services demanded by SpaceX from the U.S. Department of Defense are much higher than the prices listed on their website."

The Starlink service is a broadband internet service operated through SpaceX's low Earth orbit satellite network. It is not only a simple communication network but also connected to reconnaissance drones, playing a significant role in military operations by monitoring Russian troop movements. It is known that about 20,000 Starlink terminals have been provided to Ukraine so far.

CNN also reported, "Although Musk received much praise for providing the Starlink service, the documents obtained confirm that most of the approximately 20,000 terminals supplied to Ukraine were supported by the governments of the U.S., the U.K., and Poland."

Following Musk's pro-Russian remarks and SpaceX's suspension of free Starlink service, the controversy surrounding Musk is expected to intensify. Previously, Musk posted on his Twitter a peace mediation proposal for Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine should give up some territories, including the Crimean Peninsula, and engage in peace negotiations, which sparked a pro-Russian controversy.