Starlink's Evolving Role in Military Communications

Launched just five years ago, Starlink is a name of growing prominence in the area of military technology. Here's what you need to know.

Starlink provides high-speed internet access to much of the earth’s surface via satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Image source

One Russia-based online retailer who identified himself to the Wall Street Journal only as 'Oleg' sells Starlink satellite internet terminals to Russian soldiers in what he calls 'the new territories' – also known as Ukraine. Although he used to sell vacuum cleaners and car phone mounts mostly, now he makes most of his living selling these advanced devices despite the international sanctions on his country.

Oleg is not alone. One Russian website, Topmachines.ru, advertises Starlink sets for 220,000 rubles (around $2,200) plus a $100 monthly subscription fee. Reports indicate that Russian troops have access to thousands of Starlink terminals in Ukraine, which they reportedly procured from various intermediaries to evade international sanctions. Once hailed as a significant and exclusive advantage in Ukraine's war effort, Starlink is now increasingly in the hands of Russian forces, producing unforeseen battlefield consequences.

Far beyond the battlefields of Ukraine, Starlink is a game-changer at the forefront of advances in military technology. In this article, we examine the purpose and function of this technology, its current usage, and its potential usage moving forward.

What is Starlink? 

Launched by SpaceX in 2019, Starlink offers high-speed internet from "almost anywhere on earth," according to its official website. This connectivity is achieved via a receiver that links to an ever-increasing number of satellites orbiting 342 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth's surface, providing access to around 2.6 million users worldwide. There are currently over 5,700 Starlink satellites in orbit, each with a lifespan of just five years. With new launches regularly, SpaceX has permission to have as many as 12,000 satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) and recently applied to have as many as 30,000. China, already concerned about the ramifications of this technology, plans to launch nearly 13,000 satellites to keep SpaceX from "hogging low-orbit resources."