Report: SpaceX Starshield Satellites May Be Transmitting on Unauthorized Frequencies

New reporting indicates that SpaceX’s Starshield satellites — a classified, government-facing variant of the Starlink network — may be transmitting on frequencies normally reserved for uplinks from Earth to satellites. Amateur tracker Scott Tilley observed signals that appear to come from Starshield hardware on those uplink bands, which would be inconsistent with international coordination rules.

These frequency allocations are coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to prevent radio-frequency interference between satellites and ground stations. Using uplink frequencies for downlink transmissions could, in theory, cause nearby satellites to receive interference or miss commands from ground control, though no confirmed operational problems have been publicly reported so far.

• Who reported it: Amateur satellite tracker Scott Tilley, as covered by news outlets.
• What the issue is: Apparent broadcasts on frequencies usually reserved for uplinks, potentially violating ITU allocation rules.
• Why it matters: Frequency misallocation can create interference risks and complicate satellite operations and coordination.

Starshield is described by SpaceX as a classified, national-security-oriented service built on Starlink technology. Public reporting notes major government contracts, including a reported $70 million contract with the U.S. Space Force in 2023 and recent work linked to the Department of Defense’s National Reconnaissance Office.

At the time of writing, regulators or SpaceX have not confirmed any enforcement action or operational impact tied to these observations. For more background on the technical rules, see the ITU. You can also read the original news coverage here and SpaceX’s information on Starshield on its site.

What to watch next:

• Any official response from SpaceX or the ITU about the alleged frequency use.
• Reports of interference or anomalies affecting other satellites or ground stations.
• Regulatory or contractual implications given Starshield’s government customers.

Discussion: Could unauthorized frequency use by a major operator create meaningful risks for satellite communications or national security? Share your thoughts below.