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Starlink systems deployed to aid North Carolina

Starlink Aid

The Biden administration has deployed dozens of Starlink systems to aid communication efforts in regions affected by Hurricane Helene. The initiative aims to address the immediate disruption in communication services caused by the hurricane.

An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, was witnessed from Space Launch Complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California, on June 23, 2024.

The deployment of these Starlink systems, part of SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, is intended to provide emergency internet access to regions where infrastructure has been compromised by the hurricane. Effective communication is crucial for coordinating rescue missions and providing real-time updates to affected residents. The Starlink systems are expected to play a vital role in restoring connectivity, ensuring that emergency services and residents can communicate despite the terrestrial network damages.

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread power outages and significant damage to traditional communication networks, leaving many without the means to contact loved ones or emergency services. By rapidly deploying these systems, the government hopes to mitigate the communication breakdown while more permanent solutions are being planned and implemented. This move underscores the growing reliance on satellite technology to provide resilient communication solutions during natural disasters.

The ability to quickly deploy and activate satellite-based internet is increasingly seen as a critical component of disaster response strategies. Former President Donald Trump announced in Valdosta, Georgia, that he had coordinated with Elon Musk to deploy Starlink satellites to areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Trump claimed he spoke with the SpaceX CEO to ensure that satellite internet service would be available in regions with disrupted communications.

“I just spoke to Elon. I’m getting him — we want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever.

starlink boosts hurricane communication efforts

And Elon will always come through. We know that,” Trump said during his speech. “And so we’re working on that, getting them hooked up.

They asked me whether or not that would be possible. We’re going to try and get the Starlink in there as soon as possible.”

However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was already ahead in the process. A spokesperson for the White House, Andrew Bates, confirmed that a Starlink partnership was already in progress.

Bates referred to a statement from FEMA indicating that 40 Starlink satellite systems had been deployed to North Carolina to support responder communications. In total, 140 satellites were being sent to help repair the communication infrastructure. “Administrator Criswell made the decision yesterday to send Starlink down to North Carolina,” Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA’s director of public affairs, told reporters, referring to FEMA’s administrator, Deanne Criswell.

Rothenberg emphasized that Trump was not involved in the decision-making process. The discrepancy between Trump’s announcement and FEMA’s prior actions raises questions about the timing and nature of Trump’s purported call with Musk. When reached out for clarification, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, responded ambiguously.

SpaceX and a representative for Elon Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Relief efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with survivors beginning to grapple with the storm’s devastation. At least 119 people have died as a result of the hurricane.

Adam Campbell

The IT mastermind with a passion for data and a flair for blogging brilliance. When he's not conquering tech conundrums as an IT manager, you'll find him surfing the waves of big data, decoding the secrets of technology, and serving up witty insights with a side of code humor on his blog.
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