Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Oct 16) again raised concerns over Elon Musk-owned Starlink, saying services in Ukraine were still recovering after partial restrictions disrupted military communications. The disruption has also heightened concerns among European leaders over Kyiv's dependence on the satellite-based communication network.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Zelensky said connectivity had not fully returned to previous levels but was gradually improving.&nbsp;"Has the speed been fully restored to what it was before? No. Is the speed being restored now? Yes," he said.&nbsp;The disruption has renewed concerns over Ukraine's reliance on technology operated by Musk's SpaceX, particularly as Kyiv continues to depend on satellite communications for its battlefield operations.<h3>Europe struggles to find Starlink alternatives</h3>European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that Europe could not replace Starlink's capabilities in the short term.&nbsp;"Starlink is really necessary for Ukraine and unfortunately in (the) short term Europe can't replace this capability," she said ahead of an EU summit where leaders discussed Ukraine's security and Europe's defence needs.&nbsp;Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs also stressed the importance of the satellite network, saying it was crucial for Ukraine to continue fighting. He added that Europe had some similar capabilities but lacked sufficient capacity.&nbsp;Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said he had discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron how European countries could provide more such services in the near future.&nbsp;Kallas said the European Defence Agency had identified critical capability gaps that the bloc needed to address as quickly as possible.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallikarjun-kharge-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-all-party-meet-on-delimitation-1792158766294">Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi, seeks all-party meet on delimitation</a><h3>Starlink disruption raises military concerns</h3>Ukraine relies on Starshield, SpaceX's military-grade satellite service, for battlefield communications, strikes against Russian-occupied territory and interceptor drone operations. It also uses the company's civilian Starlink network for non-offensive purposes.&nbsp;Ukrainian officials reported slower connectivity on some terminals on Wednesday and suggested Washington could be behind the restrictions. Musk, however, said any disruption was the responsibility of the US government rather than SpaceX.&nbsp;The latest developments have renewed questions about Ukraine's dependence on privately operated satellite technology. British Defence Minister Wes Streeting also discussed the issue with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

Zelensky said Starlink services were still recovering from disruptions as European leaders acknowledged that the bloc lacked an immediate alternative to the satellite network vital to Ukraine's military operations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Oct 16) again raised concerns over Elon Musk-owned Starlink, saying services in Ukraine were still recovering after partial restrictions disrupted military communications. The disruption has also heightened concerns among European leaders over Kyiv's dependence on the satellite-based communication network. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Zelensky said connectivity had not fully returned to previous levels but was gradually improving. "Has the speed been fully restored to what it was before? No. Is the speed being restored now? Yes," he said. The disruption has renewed concerns over Ukraine's reliance on technology operated by Musk's SpaceX, particularly as Kyiv continues to depend on satellite communications for its battlefield operations. Europe struggles to find Starlink alternatives European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that Europe could not replace Starlink's capabilities in the short term. "Starlink is really necessary for Ukraine and unfortunately in (the) short term Europe can't replace this capability," she said ahead of an EU summit where leaders discussed Ukraine's security and Europe's defence needs. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs also stressed the importance of the satellite network, saying it was crucial for Ukraine to continue fighting. He added that Europe had some similar capabilities but lacked sufficient capacity. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said he had discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron how European countries could provide more such services in the near future. Kallas said the European Defence Agency had identified critical capability gaps that the bloc needed to address as quickly as possible. Also Read: Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi, seeks all-party meet on delimitation Starlink disruption raises military concerns Ukraine relies on Starshield, SpaceX's military-grade satellite service, for battlefield communications, strikes against Russian-occupied territory and interceptor drone operations. It also uses the company's civilian Starlink network for non-offensive purposes. Ukrainian officials reported slower connectivity on some terminals on Wednesday and suggested Washington could be behind the restrictions. Musk, however, said any disruption was the responsibility of the US government rather than SpaceX. The latest developments have renewed questions about Ukraine's dependence on privately operated satellite technology. British Defence Minister Wes Streeting also discussed the issue with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

Zelensky said Starlink services were still recovering from disruptions as European leaders acknowledged that the bloc lacked an immediate alternative to the satellite network vital to Ukraine's military operations.

Starlink disruption rattles Ukraine, Europe admits it has no immediate alternative

Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim President, has approved Elon Musk's SpaceX-operated satellite internet service provider Starlink to operate in the country. The move is part of a deal between the Venezuelan government and the US company, a development which was announced in a statement official statement by the government on Friday. The move has been marked as a new development for Starlink's operations in Latin America. This will continue the company to expand its global presence and subscriber base using the satellite internet service. The system gets internet connectivity through a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. The company's service has reached beyond individual consumers to include businesses, aviation, maritime operators and government customers. Starlink's satellite internet operation has kept expanding globally, bolstered by the launch of additional satellites and a growing range of services for different types of customer segments. The company’s portfolio spans connectivity solutions for both individual consumers and enterprises, along with specialised offerings for aviation, maritime and government clients, extending its footprint into sectors that often struggle with internet access through conventional means.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-years-3-licenses-zero-launch-why-elon-musk-s-starlink-is-still-struggling-to-crack-indian-market-explained-1791586731727">Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED</a><h3>Starlink's entry into India still pending</h3>According to information reported by Reuters, Venezuela’s government did not disclose further specifics regarding the agreement’s terms, the anticipated launch timeline, or the extent of Starlink’s planned operations within the country. This authorisation arrives at a moment when satellite-based internet services are carving out an increasingly prominent role in the global connectivity landscape, as providers work to widen their coverage through expanding satellite networks and services designed around varied user needs. Meanwhile, Starlink's entry into India's satellite communications market is still under standard evaluation, which is preventing the company in granting commercial approval. The company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply.

The move has been marked as a new development for Starlink's operations in Latin America. This will continue the company to expand its global presence and subscriber base using the satellite internet service.

Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim President, has approved Elon Musk's SpaceX-operated satellite internet service provider Starlink to operate in the country. The move is part of a deal between the Venezuelan government and the US company, a development which was announced in a statement official statement by the government on Friday. The move has been marked as a new development for Starlink's operations in Latin America. This will continue the company to expand its global presence and subscriber base using the satellite internet service. The system gets internet connectivity through a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. The company's service has reached beyond individual consumers to include businesses, aviation, maritime operators and government customers. Starlink's satellite internet operation has kept expanding globally, bolstered by the launch of additional satellites and a growing range of services for different types of customer segments. The company’s portfolio spans connectivity solutions for both individual consumers and enterprises, along with specialised offerings for aviation, maritime and government clients, extending its footprint into sectors that often struggle with internet access through conventional means. Also read: Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED Starlink's entry into India still pending According to information reported by Reuters, Venezuela’s government did not disclose further specifics regarding the agreement’s terms, the anticipated launch timeline, or the extent of Starlink’s planned operations within the country. This authorisation arrives at a moment when satellite-based internet services are carving out an increasingly prominent role in the global connectivity landscape, as providers work to widen their coverage through expanding satellite networks and services designed around varied user needs. Meanwhile, Starlink's entry into India's satellite communications market is still under standard evaluation, which is preventing the company in granting commercial approval. The company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply.

The move has been marked as a new development for Starlink's operations in Latin America. This will continue the company to expand its global presence and subscriber base using the satellite internet service.

Venezuela approves Starlink to operate, expanding Musk’s Latin America footprint

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market?<h3>Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling?</h3>To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India.&nbsp;On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband.On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scam-smuggling-and-wars-why-elon-musk-s-starlink-is-a-help-from-heaven-for-criminals-1791630930507">'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals</a><h3>What's the real problem?</h3>Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp;Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. 

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market? Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling? To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India. On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband. On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market." Also read: 'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals What's the real problem? Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur. Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further.&nbsp;

Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.The comments came days after SpaceX's IPO filing revealed details of its growing AI infrastructure business. While the filing indicated that both companies could terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, Musk said the original lease was intended to last only 180 days, with the possibility of extension depending on future demand.<h2>Why the Colossus deal matters</h2>The agreement has attracted attention because computing power has become one of the most valuable resources in the artificial intelligence industry. Companies developing advanced AI models require enormous amounts of computing capacity to train and operate their systems. Anthropic, one of the leading AI firms behind the Claude family of models, has increasingly expanded its infrastructure needs as competition with OpenAI, Google and Meta intensifies.According to Musk, the short-term structure was requested by SpaceX rather than Anthropic. He said the company wanted to maintain flexibility in case demand for computing power increased significantly in the future."We won't leave them hanging and will provide a reasonable off-ramp, but if compute gets super tight I said we might need it back at some point," Musk wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SpaceX has not committed to leasing Colossus for years, although it’s possible that may be what happens. This is a 180 day lease with 90 day notice mutual cancellation thereafter. The short term was our request, not Anthropic’s. We won’t leave them hanging and will provide a…&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2059880289514696927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Growing demand for AI computing power</h2>The comments highlight a broader trend across the technology industry. As AI models become larger and more capable, companies are investing billions of dollars in data centres, advanced chips and computing infrastructure. Industry executives increasingly describe compute as the most important resource in AI development. Anthropic executives have previously stated that access to computing infrastructure is critical to the company's growth and model development plans.This growing demand has created a new business opportunity for firms that own large-scale infrastructure. Instead of using all their computing capacity internally, some companies are beginning to lease excess resources to other AI developers.<h2>SpaceX exploring AI infrastructure business</h2>Musk recently indicated that SpaceX is discussing the possibility of offering AI compute services to additional customers. The approach could help the company generate revenue from infrastructure investments while demand for AI computing continues to rise worldwide. However, Musk's latest comments suggest SpaceX does not want to lock itself into long-term commitments if its own AI requirements increase. The company appears to be balancing two objectives: supporting external customers while preserving enough capacity for future internal projects.<h2>AI division remains in investment phase</h2>According to SpaceX's IPO filing, the company's AI segment generated revenue of approximately $818 million during the March quarter. However, the division also recorded an operating loss of around $2.5 billion during the same period. The figures underline the significant costs associated with building and operating large AI infrastructure systems. Data centres, specialised AI chips and energy requirements have become major expenses for companies competing in the AI race. Analysts note that many firms are currently prioritising expansion and market share over short-term profitability as they race to secure leadership positions in artificial intelligence.For now, Anthropic continues to have access to the Colossus infrastructure under the existing agreement. However, Musk's comments indicate that the future of the partnership could depend on broader market conditions and SpaceX's own computing requirements. The development also highlights a growing shift in the AI industry, where computing power is becoming a strategic asset comparable to oil, electricity or telecommunications infrastructure. As demand for AI services continues to rise, access to large-scale compute capacity may become one of the biggest competitive advantages in the technology sector

Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.


SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment. The comments came days after SpaceX's IPO filing revealed details of its growing AI infrastructure business. While the filing indicated that both companies could terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, Musk said the original lease was intended to last only 180 days, with the possibility of extension depending on future demand. Why the Colossus deal matters The agreement has attracted attention because computing power has become one of the most valuable resources in the artificial intelligence industry. Companies developing advanced AI models require enormous amounts of computing capacity to train and operate their systems. Anthropic, one of the leading AI firms behind the Claude family of models, has increasingly expanded its infrastructure needs as competition with OpenAI, Google and Meta intensifies. According to Musk, the short-term structure was requested by SpaceX rather than Anthropic. He said the company wanted to maintain flexibility in case demand for computing power increased significantly in the future. "We won't leave them hanging and will provide a reasonable off-ramp, but if compute gets super tight I said we might need it back at some point," Musk wrote on X.

Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.

Elon Musk says SpaceX agreed only six-month AI compute lease with Anthropic

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to conduct 10,000 launches a year within the next five years, according to US Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, who revealed details of a recent meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. The target would represent a dramatic increase from the company’s current launch pace and further expand SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space industry. Speaking after an aviation forum on Wednesday, Bedford said Shotwell discussed “the SpaceX five-year vision to get to 10,000 launches a year”. Reuters reported that SpaceX carried out 170 launches in 2025 and deployed roughly 2,500 satellites during the year.&nbsp;In a separate Forbes interview released this week, Musk said SpaceX already has around 10,000 satellites in orbit and eventually plans to launch 10,000 communications satellites annually, though he did not specify a timeline.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-administration-plans-to-cut-us-forces-available-to-nato-during-crises-yet-retain-nuclear-shield-1779282133187">Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield</a>&nbsp;<h2>FAA raises reliability and safety concerns</h2>&nbsp;Despite the company’s expansion plans, the FAA signalled that regulatory approval would depend heavily on improved operational reliability. “We need to see a lot more reliability,” Bedford told Reuters reporters, adding that SpaceX and regulators had held ‘a very frank conversation’ about future launch demands.&nbsp;The FAA licenses all commercial space launches in the United States and is responsible for ensuring launches do not interfere with passenger air traffic or create public safety risks. Bedford said the agency is currently reviewing data from previous launches to better assess potential hazards. He also noted that launch operations often require temporary flight restrictions, which ‘can be very disruptive’ to commercial aviation. According to Bedford, the FAA is not currently the main obstacle to launch growth, though he warned that insufficient funding for the agency’s space division could eventually become a limiting factor.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wion-decodes-what-is-trump-s-1-7b-weaponization-fund-proposal-outlines-compensation-for-alleged-political-targeting-1779350111085">WION Decodes| What is Trump’s $1.7B ‘weaponization’ fund? Proposal outlines compensation for alleged 'political targeting'</a>&nbsp;<h2>SpaceX’s broader ambitions</h2>&nbsp;Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. In January, the company said it hopes to eventually deploy a constellation of one million satellites capable of powering AI-focused infrastructure in space. SpaceX recently disclosed IPO-related financial details showing that Starlink remains its only profitable division, while investments linked to artificial intelligence continue to drive significant spending. Starlink network of ​about 10,000 satellites offers broadband internet to consumers, governments and enterprise customers.&nbsp;Bedford added that the US government’s broader space ambitions, including plans backed by US President Donald Trump to return astronauts to the Moon before 2028, would require closer coordination between regulators and private industry.

Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. 

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to conduct 10,000 launches a year within the next five years, according to US Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, who revealed details of a recent meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. The target would represent a dramatic increase from the company’s current launch pace and further expand SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space industry. Speaking after an aviation forum on Wednesday, Bedford said Shotwell discussed “the SpaceX five-year vision to get to 10,000 launches a year”. Reuters reported that SpaceX carried out 170 launches in 2025 and deployed roughly 2,500 satellites during the year. In a separate Forbes interview released this week, Musk said SpaceX already has around 10,000 satellites in orbit and eventually plans to launch 10,000 communications satellites annually, though he did not specify a timeline. ALSO READ: Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield FAA raises reliability and safety concerns Despite the company’s expansion plans, the FAA signalled that regulatory approval would depend heavily on improved operational reliability. “We need to see a lot more reliability,” Bedford told Reuters reporters, adding that SpaceX and regulators had held ‘a very frank conversation’ about future launch demands. The FAA licenses all commercial space launches in the United States and is responsible for ensuring launches do not interfere with passenger air traffic or create public safety risks. Bedford said the agency is currently reviewing data from previous launches to better assess potential hazards. He also noted that launch operations often require temporary flight restrictions, which ‘can be very disruptive’ to commercial aviation. According to Bedford, the FAA is not currently the main obstacle to launch growth, though he warned that insufficient funding for the agency’s space division could eventually become a limiting factor. ALSO READ: WION Decodes| What is Trump’s $1.7B ‘weaponization’ fund? Proposal outlines compensation for alleged 'political targeting' SpaceX’s broader ambitions Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. In January, the company said it hopes to eventually deploy a constellation of one million satellites capable of powering AI-focused infrastructure in space. SpaceX recently disclosed IPO-related financial details showing that Starlink remains its only profitable division, while investments linked to artificial intelligence continue to drive significant spending. Starlink network of about 10,000 satellites offers broadband internet to consumers, governments and enterprise customers. Bedford added that the US government’s broader space ambitions, including plans backed by US President Donald Trump to return astronauts to the Moon before 2028, would require closer coordination between regulators and private industry.

Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business.&nbsp;

Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans 10,000 launches annually in 5 years; FAA says more reliability is required!

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday pointed to the US government's support for Elon Musk’s Starlink as justification for increased public investment in European industries. While addressing an industrial summit, Macron pitched for a “Buy European” push to boost competitiveness, proposing that it be funded through joint borrowing by the European Union.&nbsp;Macron said large-scale state funding was the only way for Europe to effectively compete with economic heavyweights such as the United States and China, noting that American innovation has benefited significantly from taxpayer support, according to The Sun.&nbsp;“Everybody is fascinated by Starlink… But if you are lucid, Mr Musk is probably one of the guys of the world who has had in his pockets the most… billions dollars of the American taxpayers in order to be subsidised,” Macron said.<h3>Elon Musk hit back</h3>Referring to Musk, the French president described him as “first an oversubsidised guy” by US federal agencies, while praising the model as highly innovative. Meanwhile, Musk later hit back on X, arguing that European governments provide greater subsidies to their industries than the US.&nbsp;Musk defended the government's role in supporting his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. “If you add up all the government funding Tesla and SpaceX have ever received, it is only about 1% of the combined value of the companies,” Musk stated.&nbsp;He contrasted this with most of the US and European aerospace companies, claiming that the government money they have received ‘surpasses’ 100% of their value.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-undisputed-champion-trump-gets-another-made-up-award-this-time-for-approving-projects-worth-175m-for-coal-plants-1770875052054">'Undisputed champion' Trump gets another made-up award, this time for approving projects worth $175M for coal plants</a> &nbsp;

Macron said large-scale state funding was the only way for Europe to effectively compete with economic heavyweights such as the United States and China, noting that American innovation has benefited significantly from taxpayer support.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday pointed to the US government's support for Elon Musk’s Starlink as justification for increased public investment in European industries. While addressing an industrial summit, Macron pitched for a “Buy European” push to boost competitiveness, proposing that it be funded through joint borrowing by the European Union. Macron said large-scale state funding was the only way for Europe to effectively compete with economic heavyweights such as the United States and China, noting that American innovation has benefited significantly from taxpayer support, according to The Sun. “Everybody is fascinated by Starlink… But if you are lucid, Mr Musk is probably one of the guys of the world who has had in his pockets the most… billions dollars of the American taxpayers in order to be subsidised,” Macron said. Elon Musk hit back Referring to Musk, the French president described him as “first an oversubsidised guy” by US federal agencies, while praising the model as highly innovative. Meanwhile, Musk later hit back on X, arguing that European governments provide greater subsidies to their industries than the US. Musk defended the government's role in supporting his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. “If you add up all the government funding Tesla and SpaceX have ever received, it is only about 1% of the combined value of the companies,” Musk stated. He contrasted this with most of the US and European aerospace companies, claiming that the government money they have received ‘surpasses’ 100% of their value. Also read: 'Undisputed champion' Trump gets another made-up award, this time for approving projects worth $175M for coal plants

Macron said large-scale state funding was the only way for Europe to effectively compete with economic heavyweights such as the United States and China, noting that American innovation has benefited significantly from taxpayer support.

Macron labels Elon Musk ‘oversubsidised’ by US taxpayers, calls for EU-funded industrial push