China-Singapore security team claims breakthrough in hacking Starlink terminals

Darknavy gains full administrative control over SpaceX’s user terminal allowing research into the system’s security programmes

This gives researchers unprecedented freedom, according to the pot, by reopening a long-missing entry point for in-depth security studies of the Starlink satellite system.

As newer satellites are gradually equipped with laser links, some satellites can also communicate directly with one another via laser, reducing reliance on ground stations while improving transmission speeds and expanding global coverage.

The terminal acts as both an antenna and a router, making it a critical node for direct communication with the satellites. Until now, research into the satellite system’s security had largely stalled because the terminals could not be hacked.