A mounting number of U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns about SpaceX CEO Elon Musk potentially influencing or taking control of a $2.4 billion Federal Aviation Administration telecommunications contract with competitor Verizon. Musk, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and owner of satellite company Starlink, has criticized the current FAA telecom system.
Senator Maria Cantwell expressed apprehension, stating, "Elon Musk’s tweets suggest he’s trying to interfere in the Air Traffic Control system," indicating a potential conflict of interest in favor of Starlink. The FAA awarded Verizon a $2.4 billion contract over 15 years to develop their next-generation communications platform in 2023.
Recent reports suggest the FAA may be considering awarding the work to Musk's Starlink. While the FAA claims no decision has been made, Senator Cantwell stressed the importance of competitive procurement in compliance with federal law to prioritize aviation safety over private interests.
Concerns were echoed by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Tammy Duckworth, as well as Representative Frank Pallone, who raised alarms over potential conflicts of interest and corruption.
Musk accused the system of putting U.S. air safety at risk, currently operated by L3Harris. Verizon refuted Musk's claims, noting they are in the early stages of the project.
In response to weather data concerns, the FAA tested three Starlink terminals in Alaska. Additionally, the FAA downsized staff as part of government restructuring, emphasizing that no aviation safety positions were affected.
A team of SpaceX engineers, working as government employees, visited FAA facilities recently.