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Is Elon Musk about to change the way we fly?

Author
GREY Journal
Published
Wed 26 Feb 2025
Episode Link
https://greyjournal.net/

Elon Musk's Starlink technology may replace a $2 billion federal contract currently held by Verizon for modernizing the air traffic communications system alongside the FAA. Starlink has been installed in FAA facilities, as the existing Verizon system proves outdated and potentially hazardous. Concerns arise regarding conflicts of interest due to Musk's previous advisory role during the Trump administration. Experts emphasize transparency issues regarding the information Musk holds that could impact contract decisions. SpaceX intends to supplant the ground-based communications with its satellite network, following an earlier Verizon contract awarded in 2023 that incorporated fiber optic enhancements, with about $200 million already spent. The FAA conducts tests with Starlink at locations in Atlantic City and Alaska. L3 Harris works on testing Starlink's technology for the FAA, and reports indicate three SpaceX developers received ethics waivers to engage in government work beneficial to Musk's interests. Government regulations necessitate conflict disclosure, and one developer confirmed discussions with FAA officials about the telecommunications system. Musk's network influences other federal operations through the General Services Administration and contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense.

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