Is SpaceX too Powerful?

Elon Musk is a generational thinker, and SpaceX is changing how we think about space travel. Not only does SpaceX work with space travel, but they have also implemented a new satellite internet system known as Starlink. Starlink currently controls over 4,500 satellites which is more than half of the active satellites in space. SpaceX’s goal is to grow this network up to 42,000 satellites. Through these satellites, Starlink provides internet and phone access to many different countries. During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Starlink has provided vital communications to the Ukrainian military, but they have also restricted access on several different occasions.

Starlink’s role in the Ukrainian conflict introduces the problematic idea that SpaceX could play a crucial role in global disputes going forward. Starlink’s control of a majority of satellites in space potentially allows them to tip the scale one way or the other. Over the past 18 months, at least nine countries including China and Taiwan have brought up significant concerns about Starlink’s influence with American officials. Even though SpaceX provides an innovative product, should a private company possess so much power?