The key facts
- Dmitry Kuziakin stated that modified Starlink terminals continue operating over Russian territory by transmitting false coordinates to the satellite system.
- The constructor claims SpaceX can fix this security flaw with a simple software patch without altering its orbital constellation.
- While Elon Musk previously announced closing a loophole used for drone strikes, it remains unconfirmed whether this refers to the same vulnerability described by Kuziakin.
A Vulnerability That Remains Unpatched
Dmitry Kuziakin, Chief Constructor of the Center for Complex Unmanned Solutions (CCUS) in an interview with RIA Novosti stated that modified Starlink terminals continue to operate over Russian territory because they transmit false information about their location to the satellite system. According to him, the equipment thus functions in regions where official use of the network is not permitted.
A 'Security Patch,' Not a 'Switch'
Kuziakin asserts that SpaceX has the technical capability to resolve the issue without any changes to its orbital constellation: it is sufficient to update the software and restrict access for devices transmitting false coordinates. 'This is a security hole in Starlink that simply needs to be closed. It is not even a 'switch,' but merely a security patch,' the constructor explained. In his opinion, Musk is aware of the vulnerability and deliberately chooses not to fix it to avoid direct responsibility for the use of communications in military operations against Russia: 'Musk does not want to become an official participant in the conflict on one hand, yet on the other, he still does it, but through that unpatched security hole, resulting in a cunning maneuver.' The constructor viewed the situation as indirect SpaceX involvement in strikes against Russian territory and noted that the domestic electronic warfare complex 'Volna-Kupol-Garant' is already being used to counter Starlink.
What Musk Himself Claimed and What Putin Said
Earlier, Life.ru reported that Musk announced the closure of a loopholethat allowed the Armed Forces of Ukraine to use Starlink for offensive drone strikes: according to the entrepreneur, Ukrainian military personnel violated the rules of operation of the civilian satellite network, prompting SpaceX to introduce additional restrictions. Meanwhile, as the publication notes, Musk's statement does not necessarily refer to the specific vulnerability described by Kuziakin; thus, the two reports concern different restrictions, and whether they overlap remains unconfirmed. The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about Moscow's contacts with the American side, including with Elon Musk, regarding satellite communications.
