Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the ambition of creating “Polish Starlink” during the September 8-11 MSPO in Kielce. The government did not specify the date, cost or parameters of the system. The direction is strategically correct, but for Poland it will number for national control of communication, alternatively than an effective slogan without a plan.
The Prime Minister sets a goal, details so far no
Donald Tusk spoke of the state's plans at the global Defence manufacture Salon in Kielce. This year's MSPO edition takes place from 8 to 11 September. The Prime Minister assessed that Poland became an active and crucial associate in the space sector. He stated in a simple slogan: the ambition of the government is to be “Polish Starlink”, due to the fact that sovereign communication is of large importance.
That's the end of the details. No number of satellites, assumed coverage, launch date or cost of the task were given. It is besides unknown which institution would be liable for the programme and what participation would be given to Polish companies. The announcement should so be regarded as a intent designation, not information about the system.
Sovereign connectivity strengthens the safety of Poland
Ambition itself deserves support. A country which, in a crisis situation, bases communication on the decisions of a abroad supplier, accepts a hazard which is hard to reconcile with serious sovereignty. Satellite communications can sustain the exchange of information where terrestrial networks are damaged, overloaded or cut off. This is crucial for the military, services, administration and critical infrastructure.
The experience of the war in Ukraine showed the applicable importance of access to the satellite network. The National diary described Ukrainian treatments for access to Starlink in the context of the fight against Russian launchers. At the same time, dependence on a private company raises questions about the terms of the service and account, as exemplified by dispute over Starlink's costs borne by Poland.
Polish Starlink must besides be Polish in practice
The name will only make sense if the real capacity of the state follows the project. Control of the ground segment, safe terminals, resistant encryption, maintenance of the strategy and clear rules of access during peace and crisis are needed. The government should besides show what part of technology, production and service will stay in Polish hands.
It is not possible to bring sovereignty into a situation where the Polish payer finances the acquisition of a abroad service and the state gives it a national label. Poland has scientists, engineers and companies able to participate in specified a project. The state order should build their competences, jobs and intellectual property in the country.
The declaration must be converted into a measurable program
The government should now present a timetable, a financing model, a sharing of work and safety requirements. The public must know how much the task will cost and what capabilities Poland will receive in return. Without this data, neither the feasibility of the announcements nor its impact on taxpayers' portfolios can be assessed.
"Polish Starlink" can become an crucial tool for the defence and resilience of the state. It may besides stay a bearer slogan from the fair conference. The measurement of credibility will not be further declarations, but contracts, Polish technologies, elevated satellites and operating terminals under the control of the Republic.
Source: Money.
Source: Money.
