That’s right! Elon Musk’s Starlink,which is a project of his private spaceflight company SpaceX, is a satellite internet constellation aiming to provide satellite internet connectivity across the globe. After disasters, particularly hurricanes and storms, which disrupt traditional internet and communication channels, Starlink can be deployed to reestablish connectivity.
For example, in the wake of Hurricane Ida in southern US states in August 2021, SpaceX sent Starlink terminals to impacted areas in Louisiana to help restore internet connection. Similarly, they also assisted with internet connection to remote areas in 2020 after wildfires in Washington state.
However, there can be some political implications. The global coverage and independent operation of Starlink could challenge local telecommunications monopolies, data sovereignty, and censorship practices, potentially causing political conflicts. Regulatory approval is also necessary for operation in different countries, which brings its own set of challenges and negotiations.
In essence, while Starlink is a technology meant to bridge the digital divide and offer an alternative in emergency situations, it inadvertently stirs up political issues due to its disruptive nature.
