Elon Musk Ships Starlink Terminal for FAA update raises questions about conflict of interest

Elon Musk is trying to use Starink’s satellite Internet terminals to update the United States Federal Aviation AdministrationInformation technology networks, according to a Bloomberg report that cites sources.

Starlink is a branch Elon MuskSpacex. The report added that the update is to the National Air Space System. FAA traffic control control system (ATC) manages 45,000 flights that carry nearly 30 Lakh passengers daily.

However, Elon Musk’s movements raised the eyebrows, the questions being raised on conflicts of interest for Elon Musk’s companies. Sources told Bloomberg that a $ 2 billion contract has already been assigned already Verizon Communications Inc. in 2023 for updating critical infrastructure.

Elon Musk’s starlink? Conflict questions of high interests

Elon Musk has approved AA Shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals to FAA last week and such a terminal has already been installed at the ATC technology laboratory in New Jersey, a publication source said.

The source added that the program will be called TDM X, the goal being to have fully functional upgrades in 12-18 months.

Speaking with Bloomberg, a FAA spokesman confirmed that the test was completed for a Starlink terminal in Atlantic City (New Jersey) and two other terminals on Alaska’s non-signs. “FAA considered the use of Starlink to remedy telecommunications connections to provide more reliable weather information on the remote sites, including in Alaska,” the Emmail spokesman said.

The report mentioned that this “reach” development of Elon Musk’s “Reach” in WatchDog Aviation Aviation, which regulates SpaceX missile launch.

Will FAA contract with Verizon be affected?

The 2023 contract with Verizon supports the maintenance and modernization of the critical infrastructure of FAA, the company spokesman Rich Young told Bloomberg. “Protection Americans which is based on a safe and operating air traffic control system is more important than ever. Our improvements will help to achieve this, ”Young added.

The report added that the representative for Spacex did not answer the questions immediately. While Elon Musk posted on X (former Twitter) saying: “The verizon system does not work, as well as serious risk air travel. (chic)”

Sources talking to the publication said that it is not clear who the use of Starlink terminals would have an impact on the current contract of FAA with Verizon.

FAA updates come against the background of plane crashes, dismissals

The improvement of the aging air space network of FAA drew attention after a middle dead collision in January between a regional jet and a military helicopter near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. After crashTrump has called the current “outdated” air traffic control technology.

Unbeaten by a series of US aircraft accidents, Donald Trump fired hundreds of FAA workers, raising staff at a critical moment, when the US attends a series of high profile accidents.

So far, an American passenger Airlines has collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter in Washington DC, killing all on board. A few days before the accident in Washington DC, Donald Trump rejected all the members of the Aviation Security Committee, who supervise the safety of the airline and the airport. Last week, a Delta Airlines The plane collapsed at the International Airport in Toronto, ending the belly on the asphalt, hurting 18 passengers. Then two people died after two single engine planes Was clashed in the middle of the air near Marana Regional Airport in southern Arizona.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)