The U.S. Department of State signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SpaceX to utilize the Starlink satellite internet system to enhance international disaster preparedness and U.S. humanitarian response efforts worldwide. The U.S. Department of State revealed the new MoU, June 11.
The two-year MOU aims to leverage Starlink’s LEO satellite technology to restore critical communications when crises and natural disasters damage infrastructure. The Department’s Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response will coordinate with Starlink to provide rapid connectivity to emergency responders, humanitarian organizations following disasters, and people in need. The Department’s Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response will coordinate with Starlink to provide rapid connectivity to emergency responders, humanitarian organizations following disasters, and people in need. This cooperation aims to harness reliable connectivity to support disaster response teams and help save lives around the world.
In recent months, Starlink has delivered connectivity to communities impacted by the Ebola outbreak, Hurricane Melissa, Typhoon Kalmaegi, Cyclone Senyar, Cyclone Ditwah, Cyclone Maila, and Super Typhoon Sinlaku. U.S. coordination with Starlink to use its reliable connectivity following disasters can save lives around the world and further enhance U.S. humanitarian responses.
