Gwynne Shotwell is in the news as SpaceX pushes satellite tech and challenges rivals like Blue Origin. She’s the COO and keeps SpaceX running.
As of February 2026, SpaceX and Ukraine have implemented a whitelist system requiring registration of Starlink terminals to block unauthorized Russian military use. This move has disrupted Russian drone operations and frontline communications, significantly weakening Moscow's ability to coordinate attacks. Ukrainian forces have regained territory, leveraging the disruption of Russian communications.