Federal Aviation Agency started testing Starlink terminals to upgrade the networks that manage the airspace. This is the latest conflict between the US Government and Elon Musk. The FAAannounced on[Musk’s]social network (which is fitting) that they are testing a Starlink Terminal in Atlantic City, NJ and two terminals Alaska. The post claims the department has been considering using SpaceX technology since the previous presidential administration.
Over the years, the agency, which oversees civil aviation in all its areas, has imposed penalties as well as required review related to SpaceX operations. The agency recently ordered SpaceX investigate the cause of a mid-flight rocket explosion with its Starship last month.
According toBloomberg, Musk approved the shipment of 4,000 Starlink Terminals to the FAA. The FAA has a $2 billion contract with Verizon Communications for the support and maintenance of its infrastructure. Bloomberg’s sources weren’t sure how the Starlink trials would affect the Verizon deal.
It’s not the first time that a Musk-owned company has benefited from the South African billionaire’s entry into the US political scene. He and his DOGE group have been leading the cuts in federal ranks, such as at the FAA or other departments that oversee Musk’s companies. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for example, saw a reduction of about 10% in its staff this past month, which included cuts to the small division that oversees autonomous vehicles, such as those made by Tesla.
