Pentagon Inspector General Declines Investigation into Starlink Slowdown in Ukraine

Image: Ars Technica · Source

The Pentagon inspector general refused a Senate request to investigate disrupted use of SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield satellites in Ukraine, directing inquiries to the US Air Force and Space Force instead.

Recent restrictions imposed on the use of SpaceX's Starlink satellite network by Ukraine's military garnered significant US Senate attention, prompting bipartisan requests for a Pentagon inspector general investigation. The controversy arose earlier in October when Ukraine reported losing satellite connectivity for military drones traveling above 161 kilometers per hour, a restriction lifted after roughly ten days. The military-grade Starshield service, also provided by SpaceX, was similarly affected.

On October 15, a group of five Democratic and four Republican senators petitioned Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General Platte Moring to probe whether SpaceX, the DoD, or any other US government entities directed or authorized these usage limitations. The senators sought clarity on the consistency of such restrictions with existing contracts and any DoD responses to the disruptions.

However, Moring responded by redirecting the inquiry to the US Air Force and Space Force, stating they were better suited to address the issues raised. A Pentagon inspector general spokesperson confirmed that the Office carefully reviewed the congressional request but found it more appropriate for the Department of War (DoW) to handle. The spokesperson left open the possibility of reconsideration should new information emerge.

The Senate letter expressed serious concern that the satellite communication disruptions degraded Ukraine's defensive capabilities against Russian missile and drone attacks, compromising operations critical to command, control, and coordination. Senators also highlighted contemporaneous reports of intelligence-sharing disruptions and queried any links to the satellite issues. They sought to understand if these problems stemmed from policy decisions, technical failures, contractor actions, or other causes.

Following reports of the slowdown, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk accused Ukraine of violating Starlink's terms by using the service for offensive drone strikes, emphasizing that offensive operations should utilize Starshield. Ukrainian officials denied misuse claims and confirmed that Starshield was experiencing speed restrictions until they were fixed. Musk indicated that usage limits on Starshield were determined by the US military and ultimately President of the United States, though former President Donald Trump denied ordering any such restrictions, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the administration had no prior knowledge.

The arrangement has drawn political criticism: Senator Jeanne Shaheen voiced worry about the inspector general's refusal to investigate, urging a full review to assign responsibility and prevent future disruptions. Meanwhile, in an unrelated yet notable development, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Musk as a “genius” during Russia’s efforts to develop a satellite constellation, acknowledging Musk's Starlink system's significance to Ukraine's ongoing military efforts.

The unfolding situation reflects the complex intersection of private enterprise, military operations, and international conflict, with oversight and governance questions still unresolved. The Pentagon and other US defense entities have yet to publicly confirm any formal internal investigation into the satellite service interruptions impacting Ukraine's defense communications.