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Ukrainian officials are urgently searching for alternatives to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service as concerns grow over the unpredictable nature of Musk’s decisions. Starlink plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s communications during the ongoing conflict, but the dependency on Musk’s system has raised alarms about potential disruptions. As Ukrainian leaders look for backup solutions, the European Union has stepped in, offering both short-term and long-term alternatives to ensure the continuity of vital satellite communication systems.

Rising Concerns Over Dependency on Starlink

Starlink’s satellite service, controlled entirely by Elon Musk, is critical for Ukraine’s military communications. However, Ukrainian officials have voiced growing concerns about the risks associated with depending on a single entity for such essential services. Musk’s behavior has become unpredictable, with recent instances where he altered access to Starlink in warzones. Ukrainian leaders now fear that this creates a “strategic vulnerability,” which could leave them exposed if Musk decides to cut off access. Arthur De Liedekerke from Rasmussen Global explains that the ongoing war is no longer confined to the ground—“it plays out in space, too.”

European Union Steps in with Alternatives

In response to Ukraine’s concerns, the European Union is offering several alternatives to Starlink, focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions. French Member of the European Parliament Christophe Grudler highlighted Govsatcom, a secure European satellite system, as a potential short-term fix. Govsatcom is set to launch in June and could replace Starlink if necessary. The system has already gained interest from Ukrainian officials, especially for national security purposes. Grudler assured that EU member states are fully backing the initiative, and activation could happen quickly.

However, experts like De Liedekerke caution that Govsatcom may not fully meet Ukraine’s immediate needs. “Govsatcom isn’t a silver bullet for Ukraine’s frontline needs,” he remarked, suggesting that the system is designed more for EU governmental uses rather than real-time battlefield requirements.

Eutelsat: A Politically Independent Option

Another potential alternative is Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite provider. Eutelsat operates a fleet of 630 satellites, offering both low-Earth orbit and geostationary coverage. The company has already deployed 2,000 terminals in Ukraine, with another 14,000 on the way. While Eutelsat’s equipment is significantly more expensive than Starlink’s—€9,000 per terminal compared to Starlink’s €500—its independence from the United States makes it an appealing option for Ukraine. “Eutelsat is Europe’s champion,” De Liedekerke said, urging governments to support it financially.

Despite the higher costs, Eutelsat could provide a more politically stable alternative to Starlink. The company’s technology offers a robust and secure option, but some experts believe it may not be as nimble as Starlink in terms of meeting the rapidly changing needs of the Ukrainian military.

Iris2: The Long-Term European Solution

Looking to the future, the European Union has ambitious plans for a fully European satellite constellation called Iris2. Expected to launch by 2030, Iris2 will feature 290 satellites and promise low latency, similar to fiber-optic networks. The project is a joint effort between several European companies, including Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES, and Thales. With post-quantum encryption to protect against cyberattacks, Iris2 is designed to be the world’s first satellite constellation offering this level of security. The European Parliament recently awarded the project to the SpaceRISE consortium, with services expected to begin by 2028.

Christophe Grudler, the project’s rapporteur, emphasized that Iris2’s encryption technology will be vital for ensuring secure communication in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape. “Iris2 will deliver the world’s first constellation with post-quantum protection,” Grudler said.

The Need for Diverse Options in Satellite Connectivity

As the war in Ukraine continues, De Liedekerke stresses the importance of diversifying satellite service providers. “We can’t let one man control a warzone’s internet,” he warned, referring to Musk’s dominance over Starlink’s access. He advocates for multiple satellite providers and platforms to ensure Ukraine is not dependent on any single provider. By having several options, Ukraine can maintain its communication infrastructure even if one provider pulls the plug.

In conclusion, while Starlink remains a vital tool for Ukraine, the country’s leaders are exploring other options to ensure resilience in the face of uncertainty. With both short-term solutions like Govsatcom and Eutelsat and long-term projects like Iris2 in the works, Ukraine and the EU are working together to secure the country’s satellite communications and reduce vulnerabilities in a war that spans both land and space.