[bpodgursky]

Yeah but if SpaceX has no actual corporate entity in Russia, Russia has no real way to force SpaceX to disclose the data.

(short of threatening to shoot down satellites, which would normally be a viable threat, but honestly now SpaceX can launch a StarLink satellite for less than it costs to shoot one down)

[tristanj]

This is not the grandparent comment's point. SpaceX is not the weakest link here, the user on the ground transmitting radio signals is. Satellite communications are easily identifiable, and can be rapidly triangulated.

[bpodgursky]

Hmm is it true that the dishes can be triangulated? I was under the impression that they were motorized and directional (not like a cell phone that's omnidirectional).

Obviously they're a bit bulky for now, but I suspect they will shrink considerably over time.

[tim333]

I used a satellite phone in Tibet without applying for the relevant permits etc. They had no detection gear, the thing looked like a normal phone and payment was pay as you go via Dubai or somewhere like that. (Thuraya - this kind of thing https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thuraya-XT-Satellite/174501734312?h... the aerial slides back in when not in use.)