Stroppa-Urso clash: "Someone in the government doesn't want Starlink". "Surprised by his words"
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the case
The intervention of Musk's Italian representative: "The Minister of Enterprise said that Italy will have its constellation in 5 years. As a technician I have some doubts". The response of the representative of the majority: "He believes he knows what was said in complete secrecy"
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In the event of an agreement between the government and Starlink "I think everything has been at a standstill for at least six months or more. From what I understand, the Minister of Enterprise Adolfo Urso a few days ago, said in front of the heads of the State that Italy will have its constellation in 5 years without Starlink. Amazon after 6 years, with 10 billion invested and 1500 engineers has only managed to send 26 test satellites. Happy for Urso's project that will do better in 5 years. As an Italian I root for him. As a technician I have some doubts ". These were the words of Andrea Stroppa , Elon Musk's Italian representative, that opened a new clash with the government. With the same Minister Urso who promptly responded: "What surprises me, from what I have read, is that Mr. Stroppa believes he knows what was said to the Supreme Defense Council, which obviously works in full necessary secrecy", he noted yesterday, after reading the engineer's statements.
In the interview given today to La Stampa , Stroppa, after having acknowledged Urso's response, continued his critical analysis. "Who will produce the satellites? Who will manage them? Who will take care of the hardware? That is, the antennas, the routers. To obtain certification for these products, if they are to be installed on planes or ships, it takes years, many years", added Stroppa. Alternatives exist: "The only reference on the market - he explained - is Amazon's Kuiper, which after six years has launched the first 27 test satellites with an investment of ten billion and with about 1,500 engineers taken on the market who often come from SpaceX. But it still cannot install them on mobile vehicles such as planes and ships, which are essential for the Defense project". Recalling how there were government representatives who were open to Starlink: "I must say that, in recent months, I have been struck by the statements of various ministers such as Guido Crosetto and the heads of Defense such as Air Force General Goretti who have explained the need and urgency of equipping ourselves with this technology by looking at the facts and leaving aside the controversies. It is a topic very dear to the Navy and Foreign Affairs as well. Leonardo has publicly dispelled doubts related to national security issues several times. The idea of having Starlink as a bridge solution, while waiting for a national constellation, is sensible". As for the obstacles: " I honestly don't know. Musk has said what he had to say: Italy, by equipping itself with this technology, will be the most advanced country in Europe in satellite communications and related applications. Other countries will ask for it on loan ", added Stroppa.
The opposition had something to say about Stroppa's words. "The sentences halfway between intimidation and rebuke by Andrea Stroppa, Elon Musk's Italian representative, leave us astonished and worried. The government must respond"; declared the M5s senator Sabrina Licheri.
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