STARLINK ENHANCES U.S. AIRSPACE CONNECTIVITY FOR DEFENSE
Elon Musk and his private aerospace company, SpaceX, are planning to use a Starlink terminal to improve the information technology network system that supports the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration airspaces system.
This raised concerns about Musk's business and the billion contracts awarded to Verizon Communication Inc.
Elon Musk's Starlink Terminals for U.S. Defense
Musk is planning to use the Starlink terminal on February 24, 2025, to advance and speed up the information networks in the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. within the national airspace system.
This is a great advancement in the speed of the Starlink internet terminals in the airspace system and also a great opportunity for expansion and advancement in Musk's exploration of outer space. In addition, Musk approved the shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals to the FAA, according to people familiar with the operation.
"The testing started in Atlantic City, New Jersey about the installment of the new FAA' air-traffic control technology lab in Atlantic City, New Jersey," a person familiar said.
The program will be called TDM X. Its goal is to run a fully functional and realistic approach to providing a fast network in the airspace within 12-18 months.
Does the U.S. Military Use Starlink?
The short answer is 'yes.' The military uses Starlink for communication, intelligence, and missile warning.
The Navy uses Starlink on ships to improve bandwidth and to help connect sailors with the outside world.
The Air Force uses Starlink in live-fire exercises, supporting the Air Force's Advanced Battlefield management system.
Lastly, the Army uses the system for advanced command and control.
Future of Verizon's Role in U.S. Airspace Connectivity
Verizon's primary goal is to protect Americans for safe travel and a fully functioning air traffic control system. The company aims to provide a significant enhancement that will cater to the safety of all Americans and maintain the full potential of the FAA in serving their passengers.
"Verizon Communication Inc. is responsible for maintaining the FAA's conditioning and critical structure in serving its purpose for the U.S. citizen and airspace system," Rich Young said in an email as a company spokesperson.
Given that Musk's new attention to the Starlink terminal made his stance, considerable opposition in the Verizon company will result in handling the safety precautions by serving the Americans on hold.
However, the company's spokesperson, Young, has high hopes to provide a fully functional system that prioritizes the safety of Americans as their enhancement plan is in process.
Elon Musk vs. Verizon: Airspace Connectivity Dispute
On his social media site X, Musk posted a statement in opposition to Verizon's statement, stating that Verizon is not doing its job in providing safety and security to air travelers, putting them at risk.
This is clearly the reason why Musk plans to deploy a new technology that will be used to put travelers in a safe space and not at serious risk. Musk extends his reach in the Department of FAA to incorporate the Starlink satellite into his aviation safety watchdog SpaceX rocket launches.
Even though Musk is against the enhancement of the Verizon company, the impact of Musk's plan on Verizon was unclear with the use of Starlink terminal in Verizon's contract, according to people familiar with the matter.
Washington Airspace Safety: Recent Midair Collision
The deployment of the new technology became the most controversial news after the deadly midair collision in January between a regional jet and a military helicopter. The incident is said to have happened near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Trump's response to the incident, specifically in the current air traffic control technology, is "poor and outdated." Trump believes that the incident is the cause of proper management and functionality of the persons behind the incidents.
Following the incident, Trump and Musk decided to deploy a new air traffic control technology due to the incident that the current air traffic controller handled. It is believed that the recent collision between a jet and a military helicopter is the reason for adapting to changes and technology to make history not repeat itself.
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Sources:
BY ALLISON KIRSCHBAUM
Veteran, Military History & Culture Writer at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
Credentials
Expertise
Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
