 "Tesla & SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has often used recreational drugs, allegedly. Image Credit: AFP")
Concerns over SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network have escalated following allegations of CEO Elon Musk’s erratic behaviour and alleged drug use.
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) has raised significant doubts about SpaceX’s suitability to maintain and expand its satellite operations and is calling for scrutiny by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as per a report by Fortune.
In a filing submitted on Wednesday, the UCCA challenged SpaceX’s request to open a satellite spectrum band for new users. Instead, they argued for an investigation into SpaceX’s fitness to hold satellite licenses, considering that Musk is at the helm.
Arthur Belendiuk, the UCCA’s lead regulatory attorney, emphasised the FCC’s responsibility to ensure that license holders meet specific qualifications and serve the public interest.
Central to the UCCA’s concerns is a report from The Wall Street Journal which carried a report in great detail about Musk’s alleged use of various illegal recreational drugs, including ketamine, LSD, cocaine, mushrooms, and ecstasy.
Although Musk has denied these allegations, the UCCA contends that such behaviour may violate FCC rules requiring licensees to possess appropriate character qualifications, citing a precedent from the 1970s when the FCC denied a license renewal application due to drug use.
The UCCA also cited news reports alleging that Musk denied a Ukrainian request to use Starlink during the Russian invasion and that the company does not prevent the Russian military from using the satellite terminals. Belendiuk condemned this behaviour as part of a pattern of abuse of the Starlink system, urging an immediate FCC investigation.
The UCCA has called on the FCC to hold a hearing to determine whether Musk is fit to remain a licensee and to consider revoking or restricting SpaceX’s access to the airwaves.
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More ShortsIn response, Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr criticised TheUCCA’s comments as “procedurally improper and substantively meritless,” stating that the filing misapplies laws and rules irrelevant to the case.
SpaceX’s Starlink network currently operates over 5,500 active satellites, with plans to launch up to 42,000 more.
(With inputs from agencies)