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Musk has giant contracts with US defence agencies
- Published: 9:28, 25 Oct 2024
- Updated: 11:08, 25 Oct 2024
ELON Musk has reportedly been holding regular secret talks with Vladimir Putin with the Russian tyrant asking for a chilling favour.
Vlad has lent on the SpaceX chief for his pal and ally Xi Jinping - the leader of China.
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The dictators have drawn closer together as part of an "Axis of Evil" that seeks to push back on democracy and the West.
Putin asked Musk to not approve the use of Starlink for Taiwan as a favour to Xi last year, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.
Starlink wasn't switched on and doesn't operate in Taiwan due to it not having approval from Taipei to operate.
Taiwan retains strict control over telecommunications as it seeks to keep itself outside of Beijing's control.
The newspaper confirmed the discussions, covering personal topics, business, and geopolitical tensions, with several current and former US, European, and Russian officials.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the only communication Putin has had with Musk was over one telephone call in which he and Putin discussed “space as well as current and future technologies."
In October 2022, Musk said publicly that he had spoken only once to the Russian leader.
He said on X that the conversation was about space, and that it occurred around April 2021.
Putin, meanwhile, said in a conversation with Tucker Carlson: “I think there’s no stopping Elon Musk. He will do as he sees fit.”
The Tesla chief talking with one of the US' chief adversaries raises national security concerns over how much influence Putin has over America.
'Terrifying' video reveals Elon Musk's huge army of satellites as scientists warn of Starlink's 'hidden danger'
Billionaire Musk owns Starlink, the internet service which boasts around 7,000 satellites in orbit and can provide wifi almost anywhere around the globe.
Musk has previous history with Starlink and Putin after he switched it off in Ukraine a few months into Russia's invasion.
He had already donated tens of thousands of terminals to Ukraine and spoken out in support of the country.
But his views appeared to sour and he prevented the Ukrainians from using terminals to guide sea drones to attack Crimea and in offensive operations over fears of nuclear war.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, aimed at providing high-speed, low-latency internet access across the globe. It consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which work together to deliver internet service to users on the ground.
Starlink is designed to offer internet access in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband services are limited or unavailable.
The system aims to provide broadband-level speeds, offering performance comparable to or better than conventional terrestrial connections.
The low Earth orbit configuration allows for lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet systems, which are often based in higher geostationary orbits.
As more satellites are launched and added to the constellation, the network's capacity and performance are expected to improve, accommodating more users and enhancing service quality.
To connect to the Starlink network, users need a Starlink Kit, which includes a phased-array antenna (often referred to as the "dish") and a Wi-Fi router. The antenna is designed to automatically align with the satellites for optimal signal reception.
The constellation is continually growing, with regular launches adding more satellites to the network to improve coverage and performance.
Ukrainian officials have claimed Russia is also using Starlink to communicate and fly its drones in the areas occupied by its military.
Russian troops have bought Starlink dishes from third countries, with Musk saying he doesn't believe they have been sold them directly.
Musk has also backed calls for an end to the war and is backing Trump in the US election who claims he will get peace, but without providing evidence.
SpaceX, which operates Starlink, has giant contracts with the US military, including a $1.8billion secret deal in 2021.
In a recent press release, the US Navy confirmed it was using Starlink on ships for internet itself.
The now-deleted publication from August 20, saw the Navy reveal a high-speed protocol known as Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore, or SEA2.
"This new functionality utilizes low-orbit satellites to bring high-speed Internet capability to ships and shore sites," the release read.
A connection called STtNG, or Satellite Terminal (transportable) Non-Geostationary, allows ships' tactical feeds to gain secure access to low-orbit satellites.
SpaceX has been approached for comment.
Putin’s ‘wardog’ Kadyrov ‘sending machine gun-mounted Cybertrucks to Ukraine’ after Elon Musk row
Vladimir Putin's warlord pal Ramzan Kadyrov says he sent machine gun mounted Cybertrucks to Ukraine.
Chechen chief Kadyrov claims Elon Musk gifted him the modified Tesla but after the billionaire CEO shut down the remarks a feud erupted between the pair.
Footage shows a pair of the huge, silver trucks supposedly racing towards the Ukrainian frontline.
Soldiers can be seen riding in the back of the gun-toting Teslas before they park up and begin firing countless rounds from the mounted machine gun onboard.
They appear to be shooting down drones in the video.
The bizarre claim that the trucks are at the Ukrainian frontline are not backed up in the elaborate video.
The video, posted to Kadyrov's Telegram, is followed up by a caption talking about how Russia is using Western-made equipment "against its own Western Ukronatists".
Kadyrov, 47, made his intentions clear back in August about wanting to use the Cybertrucks in warfare.
The Chechen warlord has been a staunch supporter of Putin's invasion of Ukraine and even sent his fighters as part of the tyrant's "special military operation".
He said about the powerful Tesla: "It's a truly invulnerable and fast machine. A manoeuvrable vehicle that reaches excellent speeds and overcomes obstacles.
"Based on these excellent characteristics, the Cybertruck will soon be sent to the Special Military Operation (SMO) zone, where it will be in demand in the appropriate conditions.
"I am confident this 'beast' will be of great benefit to our fighters."
Musk quickly denied donating the truck to Kadyrov blasting it as "lies" via X.
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English (US) · 