SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that his space exploration company has activated Starlink internet satellites over Ukraine in an effort to improve connectivity issues brought about by the ongoing Russian invasion.
Musk responded swiftly when Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov asked for SpaceX support.
“While you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand,” Fedorov tweeted.
Just 10 hours later, Musk claimed “Starlink is live in Ukraine.” Internet service had been disrupted in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Kherson, reports Fox Business.
Starlink is a network of nearly 2,000 satellites in low orbit intended to provide high-speed broadbrand internet by connecting with terminals located across the globe. Because it doesn’t require traditional internet infrastructure, it can reach remote areas and be deployed quickly in disaster situations.
SpaceX is consistently puts more Starlink satellites into orbit. The two-stage Falcon 9 completed three Starlink missions in February alone, with the most recent on February 25 delivering 50 satellites, Space.com reports.
News of Starlink’s implementation in Ukraine comes as former boxing boxing champ Vasiliy Lomachenko joined his homeland’s military ranks.
The former three-division champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist was pictured wearing fatigues with a rifle at his side in a viral photo posted to social media.