SpaceX’s Starlink is stepping up to help with disaster relief in central Texas after dramatic flooding along the Guadalupe River, where some 27 people — including nine children — have been reported dead and dozens more are missing amid widespread evacuations.
In response, Starlink announced on X that it’s deploying Mini kits for search-and-rescue efforts, ensuring connectivity even in communication blackspots, and offering one month of free service to thousands of affected customers — including those who previously paused service — so they can stay connected during the crisis.
Texas is home to vital SpaceX and Tesla operations, making this response both personal and strategic. Starlink’s portable Mini kits are ideal for disaster zones, where traditional networks may be destroyed or nonexistent.
This isn’t Starlink’s first time assisting in emergencies. The service was a lifeline after Hurricane Ian in Florida, where within just 56 hours, Starlink kits were set up to keep hospitals, first responders, and community locations online.
Internationally, Starlink helped maintain communication in Japan following a massive earthquake last year and maintained connectivity in Germany when broadband and mobile networks were fully disrupted. What’s more, Starlink has been critical for military and civilian communications in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, supporting everything from government operations to frontline networks.
Reliable connectivity during natural disasters isn’t just about comfort — it can save lives. By providing Mini kits and temporary free service, Starlink is enabling search teams in Texas to coordinate more effectively, reach stranded victims, and keep families informed. For locals, being able to reactivate their paused service means staying connected when it matters most.
