The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has agreed to use SpaceX’s Starlink internet system to upgrade its information technology networks, raising concerns about conflicts of interest for CEO Elon Musk due to his role in recommending funding cuts at federal agencies.
SpaceX is a privately held space technology company heavily dependent on federal contracts, with NASA being its primary source. The FAA’s contract with SpaceX includes 4,000 Starlink terminals and will be deployed over the next 12-18 months. This move comes as Musk leads efforts to cut federal staff and make deep cuts in government spending.
The use of Starlink has been tested at the FAA’s Atlantic City facility and two “non-safety critical sites” in Alaska, where reliable weather information is a major issue for aviation. The FAA aims to modernize its aging systems, which were highlighted in a December report by the Government Accountability Office.
Critics argue that Musk’s role overseeing government agencies, particularly his support of President Trump during the last election, creates conflicts of interest. His company has benefited from numerous government programs and regulations over the years, making him one of the richest people in the world.
Law professor Richard Painter, a frequent critic of Trump, argues that space mining could further enrich Musk and create new conflicts of interest due to his involvement with NASA. He suggests that Musk should publicly disclose his financial information like other senior officials in the White House.
The FAA’s use of Starlink is part of its 15-year contract with Verizon to upgrade its technology networks. However, Verizon has defended the quality of its work, stating that it will help modernize the air traffic control system and protect Americans relying on a safe and secure system.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/business/musk-faa-starlink-contract/index.html