Senator Elizabeth Warren of the United States has demanded a comprehensive probe into SpaceX, the privately held aerospace company run by billionaire Elon Musk. Musk has admitted that he was involved in preventing Ukraine from expanding the private Starlink satellite network in preparation for a possible strike on Russian vessels close to the Crimean coast. This has led to calls for an inquiry.

Concerned on Monday, September 11, Senator Warren said, “Congress needs to investigate what’s happened here and whether we have adequate tools to make sure foreign policy is conducted by the government and not by one billionaire.” Her remarks were picked up by Ukrinform and Bloomberg.

The issue surrounding SpaceX and Musk’s role has led the U.S. Congress to demand a more thorough investigation into the incident. The Armed Services Committee’s Senator Warren has not only called for congressional action but also asked the Defense Department to review its contract with SpaceX.

The matter under consideration pertains to the commercialization of satellite networks and their possible application in geopolitical disputes. Historically, heads of state have made choices about the deployment and use of satellite systems, giving governments complete control over them. Musk’s influence in preventing Ukraine from connecting to the Starlink network has sparked debate regarding the power of private businesses on foreign policy choices, particularly in light of the potential ramifications for world affairs.

Jack Reed, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has also expressed his worries about this issue. Reed stressed that Musk shouldn’t have the last word when it comes to questions of national security, even if he acknowledged SpaceX’s beneficial contributions to lowering the cost of space access, particularly national security launches.

Elon Musk and other prominent figures from the technology sector will meet with senators on Wednesday, September 13 in a closed-door meeting in the Capitol. It is anticipated that this situation will be a major topic of conversation. The summit offers a chance to look more closely at the intricate interactions that exist between private industry, national security, and foreign policy.

The request for an inquiry and the approaching summit highlight the growing importance of private organizations in the space industry as well as their capacity to have an impact on global politics. Clear regulations and monitoring in these areas are more necessary as satellite technology and space exploration continue to progress.