Others are working on similar projects, such as Amazon and China, but Elon Musk's SpaceX is far ahead. Musk continues to launch more and more satellites, making it challenging for anyone to catch up. The world must accept that this crucial technology is controlled by this eccentric businessman.
Satellites owned by Elon Musk’s Starlink orbit the earth and beam an internet connection to almost anywhere. In 2019, the company sent its first 60 or so satellites into orbit — today, it has some 4,500 circling the planet, with around 1.5 million customers across about 50 countries and territories.
Adam Satariano, a technology correspondent for The Times, details the company’s rise and power, and discusses the implications of one man’s controlling it all.
Guest: Adam Satariano, a technology correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Elon Musk has become the dominant power in satellite internet technology. The ways he is wielding that influence are raising global alarms.
For more information on today’s episode, visit
nytimes.com/thedaily
. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.