A Ukrainian-American nonprofit, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block SpaceX’s plan to launch nearly 22,500 additional satellites for its Starlink internet service. The group has raised concerns about CEO Elon Musk’s alleged ties to Russia and the potential use of Starlink by Russian forces in Ukraine. The petition, filed this week, calls for a review of the situation before granting approval for the expansion.
Michael Sawkiw, Jr., president of the UCCA, argued that there is a need to investigate whether Starlink has been used to assist a foreign adversary, specifically Russia. He emphasized that any such use would not be in the national security interest of Ukrainian-Americans or the United States. His remarks were prompted by Musk’s controversial actions, including his decision to restrict Starlink’s services in Crimea in 2022, which reportedly hindered Ukraine’s attack on the Russian navy. Musk claimed he had disabled the network to avoid escalating the conflict.
In addition to these security concerns, the UCCA has raised issues about the environmental impact of SpaceX’s launches in Texas, where the company operates its launch facility. The UCCA claims that SpaceX’s rocket launches pose risks to local wildlife, including endangered species, and they have criticized Musk’s dismissive response to such concerns. They specifically cite incidents where rocket vibrations and noise caused the destruction of bird nests in a nearby protected area. UCCA’s legal filings describe SpaceX’s actions as neglectful of the environment and local wildlife.
The UCCA also cited potential conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s role in the incoming Trump administration. Musk is reportedly set to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal advisory committee that could influence policies and regulations affecting SpaceX and other companies under Musk’s leadership. The UCCA argues that this could create financial and ethical conflicts, as Musk’s companies could benefit from federal contracts and regulatory decisions.
Furthermore, the group’s petition urges the FCC to review Musk’s potential conflicts of interest in light of his new position before approving any further SpaceX projects. The UCCA contends that Musk’s leadership in DOGE may undermine the integrity of federal advisory processes, especially concerning policies that could benefit his companies.
This opposition comes after reports suggesting that Musk had secretive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, further fueling concerns about Musk’s ties to Russia. Additionally, in a separate report, Starlink was linked to Russian military operations, with reports stating that Starlink terminals had been installed on Iranian drones used in attacks on Ukraine. Although Musk has denied selling terminals to Russia, the UCCA remains wary of the broader implications of Musk’s business dealings with the Russian government.
The FCC has yet to respond to the petition. However, the UCCA’s legal team has emphasized the importance of examining SpaceX’s environmental practices, particularly given the sensitive nature of the launch site in Texas. Arthur Belendiuk, the group’s lead regulatory counsel, highlighted the potential damage caused by rocket launches to protected habitats in the area, such as fires and debris from the launches.
The UCCA’s concerns about SpaceX and Musk’s business practices are not isolated. Other critics have questioned Musk’s motivations, particularly given his political influence and business interests. The group’s petition is part of a broader effort to hold Musk and his companies accountable for their actions and to ensure that U.S. security and environmental standards are upheld.
Despite these objections, the FCC has previously dismissed similar concerns. In an earlier filing related to SpaceX’s request for additional spectrum for its Starlink network, Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr labeled the UCCA’s comments as “procedurally improper and substantively meritless.”
The UCCA’s petition marks the latest in a series of legal and regulatory challenges facing SpaceX and Elon Musk, reflecting ongoing concerns about the company’s global reach, its impact on national security, and its environmental practices. As the debate continues, the UCCA and other critics of Musk’s actions will likely remain vigilant in monitoring the company’s operations.
