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Earth Intelligence

03 Jun 2024 — 5 min read

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CENTCOM Activity
SpaceX Satellites

CENTCOM Activity:

On June 1, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported multiple engagements with Iranian-backed Houthi forces in the southern Red Sea. Between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), CENTCOM forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched by the Houthis. Additionally, two other UAS crashed into the Red Sea without causing any injuries or damage to U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. Later, between 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., CENTCOM intercepted and destroyed two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) aimed at the USS Gravely.
The missiles were neutralized in self-defense, preventing any harm or damage. These actions were taken to address imminent threats to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the area, ensuring the safety and security of international waters. On May 31, CENTCOM provided an update on further defensive actions against the Houthis. At 1:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), a Houthi-launched UAS crashed into the Red Sea, with no injuries or damage reported. Throughout the day, from 2:53 a.m. to 10:59 p.m., CENTCOM forces destroyed another UAS over the Gulf of Aden and three additional UAS over the Red Sea.
These drones were also launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. At 9:31 p.m., two Houthi ASBMs were launched into the Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM intercepted these missiles, again preventing any injuries or damage. These actions were necessary to counter imminent threats and protect freedom of navigation, enhancing the safety and security of maritime operations in the region.

SpaceX Satellites:

SpaceX plans to launch its Starlink system for cell phones this fall, pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). SpaceX revealed this target date in an FCC filing related to new rules for providing satellite connectivity to U.S. carriers, known as supplemental coverage from space. This initiative includes a collaboration with T-Mobile, the first U.S. carrier to adopt the cellular Starlink technology. The Starlink system aims to beam internet data directly to unmodified smartphones, offering text, voice, and web browsing services in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
SpaceX's long-term vision includes further innovations to provide even more robust coverage and additional features, potentially transforming the telecommunications landscape. SpaceX identified a challenge with the current FCC framework, specifically the limit on radio frequencies for cellular satellites. The company is asking the FCC to replace the broad limit on radio interference for all satellite signals with specific limits for different frequency bands. This would improve Starlink's coverage and reliability.
SpaceX argues that the existing limit could reduce network coverage and capacity or force signal suppression, undermining the goal of robust coverage, especially during emergencies. Various stakeholders, including AT&T, Verizon, and Dish Network, support the current restrictions to prevent radio interference. If successful, the launch of the cellular Starlink service could potentially allow Starlink to operate as its own cell carrier, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This could lead to a major shift in the telecommunications industry.
In the future, if satellite-based services like Starlink's become sufficiently advanced and widespread adopted, it is conceivable that reliance on traditional cell towers and terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure could diminish. This could reduce the need for traditional telecommunication companies, as satellite networks might provide comprehensive coverage. If SpaceX succeeds, it could pave the way for a new era in global connectivity, potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for traditional cell towers and fundamentally changing how we access telecommunication services.

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