HN Explorer

9 comments

[ 4.5 ms ] story [ 19.5 ms ] thread
mlindner
Starshield can operate in Taiwan if the US military wants it to.
goblin89
If SpaceX wants Starshield to operate in Taiwan, it would. If DoD wants it to, it means nothing unless they convince SpaceX, which apparently has a conflict of interest through its CEO’s other businesses, or force it legally.
inemesitaffia
Taiwan has refused to budge on licensing rules. And Musk isn't the type to share.

If the DOD wants SpaceX to operate there regardless all they have to do is ask

goblin89
It sounds like SpaceX wanted to make Starshield & Starlink a bundle deal. To fulfill the DoD contract, they could only operate military Starshield and not consumer Srarlink. They even use different satellites as far as I know.
inemesitaffia
Starshield is a contract vehicle. Not a product.

The receivers are the same.

i.e it's going to be starlink but only the military can use it from your perspective.

But the same sats, same wireless bands and everything.

I think it's convenient for both Taiwan and SpaceX so nothing public will change

goblin89
Starshield uses its own purpose-built satellites with different capabilities compared to Starlink.
inemesitaffia
Starshield is a contract vehicle. Not just a constellation
goblin89
I don’t see why it has to follow the same rules as consumer Starlink, unless SpaceX wants to make an extra buck by making it a bundle.
inemesitaffia
Oh I agree. But it allows both parties to save face