Ukraine is reportedly adding satellite communications from Israeli manufacturer HiSky to reduce its reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield networks. The shift follows disruptions attributed to restrictions on Starshield, which reportedly caused dropped connections, slower service and the cancellation of important drone missions. Russian military channels claimed that Ukrainian units had begun using HiSky terminals for deep-strike operations; the devices weigh about six kilograms.
The report links the new equipment to Ukraine’s ability to sustain drone attacks, including strikes on Russian oil refineries, despite problems with its primary satellite connection. It presents the move as a response to the risks of depending on a single commercial provider for battlefield communications: a company’s operational or political decisions can affect military capabilities. By bringing Israeli- and Italian-developed technology into its communications mix, Kyiv aims to preserve strike operations and make them less vulnerable to changes in SpaceX service. The account does not detail how widely the terminals have been deployed or independently verify the claims about their use, but frames diversification as a strategic effort to protect military connectivity.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
China’s battery-swapping stations let electric truck drivers replace depleted batteries in minutes instead of waiting to recharge, easing range and downtime concerns. CATL plans 2,000 stations across China by the end of 2027 and hopes to expand the technology to Europe. (theguardian.com)
The FAA grounded all departing flights nationwide until 11 p.m. after citing safety concerns and communications issues, while allowing planes already airborne to land. Officials said there was no evidence of a cyberattack; experts raised a possible connection to a new AI-supported air traffic system rollout. (thedailybeast.com)
![I Built a $300 Robot Hand With 18 Motors [video]](https://hntoday.pixelshot.io/screenshots/20261114/1c8751ab7cf044ab_tn.jpeg)
A maker built a robot hand with 18 motors for about $300. The provided page contains no details about how it works. (youtube.com)
A commenter says Elon Musk should hire Jensen Huang to run Terafab. They offer no further details about what the project would build. (news.ycombinator.com)
SpaceX launch debris halted all flights between Hawaii and the West Coast, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Interisland flights continued, and travelers were urged to check with their airlines for updates. (hawaiinewsnow.com)
The Denny’s where Nvidia was founded has removed a sign celebrating the company. The change comes as fallout surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang deepens. (nbcnews.com)
Today's best Hacker News stories, summarized and screenshotted, one email a day.