The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Defense has declined a formal request to investigate reported slowdowns and restrictions affecting Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink and its military variant, Starshield. The decision was communicated in a letter sent on Tuesday to nine senators who had jointly petitioned for an inquiry into the matter.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian officials reported that military drones lost satellite connectivity when traveling at speeds exceeding 161 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). This speed limit appeared to be imposed on the network but was reportedly removed after approximately ten days. The incident prompted a letter dated October 15 from five Democratic and four Republican senators addressed to Department of Defense Inspector General Platte Moring.
The lawmakers requested a probe into whether any restrictions on Starlink or Starshield services were directed, authorized, or implemented by SpaceX, the Department of Defense, or other US government entities. The letter also sought clarification on whether such actions were consistent with applicable US government contracts and what response measures the Department of Defense took.
In his response, Inspector General Moring stated that the questions raised should be directed to the US Air Force and Space Force. He noted that these branches are better suited to address the specific matters and coordinate any departmental responses. A spokesperson for the Pentagon OIG later confirmed to Ars Technica that the office carefully considered the congressional request but determined the issues were best handled by the Department of Defense itself, adding that they may reconsider if new information emerges.
The timing of these satellite disruptions has drawn significant political attention. According to CNN, the connectivity problems were discovered following threats from the administration to withhold intelligence from Kyiv regarding strikes on Russian refineries. This occurred after President Donald Trump reportedly made a deal to purchase Russian diesel and ease sanctions on Moscow.
Sources: Ars Technica.