SpaceX's Starlink satellites are allegedly used for illegal mining activities in the Amazon forest.
(Photo : Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for tomorrow's lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket, which is the most powerful rocket in the world, is scheduled to make its maiden flight between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
This detail was shared by Brazilian authorities after they discovered some Starlink terminals at illegal mining sites in Yanomami land.
If the allegations are true, SpaceX will have some problems with the Brazilian government since the country is highly against illegal mining and other similar activities that can affect nature.
Starlink Satellites Allegedly Used for Illegal Mining
According to Business Insider's latest report, Brazil's authorities seized seven Starlink internet units in Yanomami land, the largest Indigenous region in the country.
(Photo : Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Aerial view of an illegal gold mine in Sao Felix do Xingu, Para state, Brazil, on September 21, 2021. - Illegal mining never went away in Brazil, but now it is surging again in the mineral-rich Amazon, fueled by poverty, greed, impunity and record gold prices.
Also Read: Amazon Reveals Three Terminals to Receive Kuiper's Satellite Internet, But When Is It Coming?
Hugo Loss, Brazil's environment agency operators coordinator, said that the Starlink technology can be used to improve illegal mining activities.
"You can manage hundreds of mining sites without ever setting foot in one," he added.
AP News reported that illegal miners in Brazil relied on stationary antennae. However, they are not reliable because they can't be easily moved from one place to another.
Another problem with stationary antennae is their slow internet connection. But, Brazilian officials said that the Starlink internet terminals can solve these problems, allowing illegal miners to conduct their harmful practices.
How Illegal Miners Use Starlink Terminals
Illegal miners who have the Starlink terminals allegedly use them to anticipate law enforcement raids, plan logistics, as well as conduct payments.
Because of this, Brazilian officials said that their mission to expel illegal miners from the Yanomami island is now more complicated to conduct.
As of press time, SpaceX hasn't commented regarding the allegations against Starlink.
The independent space agency needs to decide sooner since Brazil's environment agency is now considering blocking Starlink's signal in illegal mining areas.
If you want to see more details about the alleged Starlink aid in illegal mining, you can click here.
In other news, SpaceX banned Ukraine from using its Starlink technology to fly armed drones. We also reported that a new mobile connectivity service is being tested by SpaceX's Starlink and T-Mobile.
For more news updates about Starlink and other satellite internet services, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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