Starlink's speed tests may look impressive, but experts say SpaceX's satellite-internet project is unlikely to win any federal subsidies

[jamesd at echeque.com]

On 2020-09-02 20:47, grarpamp wrote:
> Starlink needs to accept cryptocurrency so that abusive Govt's can't censor its
> citizens offline by ordering banks to block their bankcard payments to Starlink,
> and then murdering their citizens by their associated name / address /
> phone / ID / email / credit checks
> (none of which *ever* need to be collected by Starlink in fully prepaid mode).

China has antisat missiles.

Thus Starlink's ability to confront China is slight

Nor can it confront oppressive governments that are part of the US
empire, such as Britain and France, since it is dependent on launch
bases located on US soil.

It will probably, however, do a number on Iran, Venezuela, etc.

Also, the US is increasingly dependent on Musk for access to space.  It
was both humiliating and expensive to rely on Russia for access to the
space station, thus he is a strong negotiating position with the US
government.

But if Kamala becomes president, probably will not want access to space
because global warming white supremacy toxic masculinity etc.  Going to
space is so white and male.