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SpaceX Wants to Make a SkyNet That Doesn’t End Our Civilization

A network in the sky, a “SkyNet” if you will, doesn’t always have to be bad. The concept doesn’t even have to involve a race of sentient machines exceptionally good as rolling tank treads over human skulls. Instead, it could be more “Starlink,” which SpaceX is seeking a trademark on; a plan to flood low-earth orbit with thousands of satellites in the hopes of giving internet access to all humans (and not wiping them out).

If completed, a network of satellites like Starlink could do much more than just serve up cat GIFs (hard “g,” fight us) in the middle of the Sahara. According to the trademark application filed by SpaceX, the network could also provide “satellite photography services,” and “remote sensing services, namely, aerial surveying through the use of satellites.” See? No laser toting cyborgs.

Also on the show today, Dan and I are breaking down a real Iron Man suit built for the sea, the education initiative Musk has donated big bucks to, and just what lessons the billionaire has learned from The Lord of the Rings. No, really.

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What do you think of this week’s top stories? What else would you like to see us discuss on Muskwatch? Let us know in the comments below!

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