Several satellite constellations could provide Ukraine with high-quality internet access despite the damage on the ground. — Photography tifonimages/Getty Images/AFP Relaxnews
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network for stable communications. However, recent diplomatic tensions with the United States could jeopardize the continuity of this program. If access to the Starlink network is shut down, Europeans have some interesting alternatives, although they may not yet provide the same level of service.
In such a context, favoring a European solution would have several advantages. It would guarantee both strategic autonomy and increased digital sovereignty on the European side. However, Starlink currently continues to play an essential role in Ukraine, and will do so until further notice. But efforts are underway to develop credible European alternatives and ensure stable and independent connectivity in the future.
The operator Eutelsat would undoubtedly be best placed to take over from Starlink. However, Eutelsat currently operates a constellation of around 650 satellites in low Earth orbit, compared with more than 10 times that number for Starlink. This gives the American company more extensive coverage and much higher data rates.
For its part, Luxembourg-based SES operates a new constellation, currently consisting of around 10 medium Earth orbit satellites. Although reserved for government and institutional clients, this infrastructure could very well be mobilized to support Ukraine's connectivity needs. Finally, Spain's Hisdesat could contribute its expertise to provide secure communications services to Ukraine.
In the longer term and on a larger scale, the European Space Agency also wants to develop a system that will enable people to communicate with their smartphones wherever they are in Europe, including in the most remote areas that are not usually covered by network operators. In partnership with the American company Viasat, the agency has signed an agreement to jointly develop a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity system. A new constellation of dedicated satellites placed in geostationary orbit and low Earth orbit will be able to connect directly to smartphones as well as to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. – AFP Relaxnews
