While everyone is focused on his Twitter deal, SpaceX has amassed the power of a nation-state and is exerting major influence over the action on the ground in Ukraine.
Over the past couple of years, Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies has just about doubled the total number of satellites in orbit around Earth. It now has as many functioning satellites as all other nations and companies combined. And they’re raising a lot of important questions.
All of this is to say we’re in the midst of the first real space war in which corporate players are exerting major influence over the action on the ground. In the months leading up to Russia’s invasion, governments, analysts and even the public were provided with thousands of images from satellites owned by companies such as Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies.
The commercial space industry has been a great equaliser in this war – a turn of events that must eat at Putin and his space-proud nation. When Russia claims not to have bombed a hospital, before-and-after images of the building are at the ready to reveal the truth. When Russian troops move during the night, their positions are known. And when communication towers are brought down on the ground in Ukraine, they’re backstopped by data beamed from above.
Much has changed since Musk started his rocket company in 2002. As far as patriotic stories go, it’s hard to top SpaceX: Immigrant from South Africa comes to California and restores the US’s once-flagging space program to become the envy of the world. The conundrum the US and, really, everyone now faces is that Musk has moved so fast with so much ambition that SpaceX has amassed the power of a nation-state within a private company. Historically, the leaders of military contractors have been happy to do the Defence Department’s bidding during a conflict. Musk, though, is Musk. He’s out there tweeting, changing his mind on the fly, and getting involved in geopolitics in ways that no government official can control.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Star Wars actor sends drones to UkraineActor Mark Hamill has lent a “greatly appreciated” hand to the war efforts in Ukraine. Hamill has helped to send over 500 drones to Ukraine in support of the country’s fight against Russia. The actor, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, serves as an ambassador for Ukraine’s ‘Army of Drones’ project. “Ukraine needs drones,” he said. “Drones define war outcomes. “They’re able to monitor the border and protect both civilians and their soldiers. “Not only were they interested in fundraising, but if you have a drone … Ukraine can use even the most simplistic drones.” The link to the drone project can be found at: https://u24.gov.ua/dronation
Read more »
'Unfathomable sadness': Australian man Trevor Kjeldal killed in Ukraine during Russian invasionPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the death of an Australian man as 'tragic news', warning other Australians not to travel to Ukraine.
Read more »
Australian ‘Ninja’ who once ‘beat the odds’ killed in Ukraine invasionQueensland man Trevor Kjeldal, who had already been injured once while fighting in Ukraine, has died, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Read more »
'Treasured and loved' Australian man killed in fighting in Ukraine'It is a dangerous place.' The Prime Minister has offered his condolences to the family and friends of an Australian who travelled to Ukraine to fight after hearing President Zelenskyy’s appeal for foreign combatants. READ MORE: 9News
Read more »