The appointment of Mark Long, 59, as the company's new CFO comes at a critical time for Super Micro, which is still reeling from a $2.5 billion smuggling case and the arrest of one of its co-founders. Long has a strong background in finance, having previously served as CFO and chief strategy officer at Western Digital, a data storage company with a valuation of over $130 billion.

In addition to his experience at Western Digital, Long also runs an investment and advisory firm called Prime Impact Capital, which suggests he brings significant industry expertise to the role. Furthermore, he co-founded a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that raised $300 million before merging with a Beijing-based auto insurance technology platform in 2023.

Long's appointment as CFO is likely intended to help Super Micro regain credibility with investors, many of whom have been skeptical about the company's financial management since the internal investigation and subsequent scandals. With his extensive experience in tech finance and investing, Long may be able to provide much-needed stability to the company's leadership team.

The indictment of Yih-Shyan "Wally" Liaw, co-founder of Supermicro, has shed light on a complex and shocking smuggling case allegedly involving $2.5 billion worth of the company's hardware loaded with Nvidia's export-controlled chips being illegally routed to China.

According to the Department of Justice and FBI, Liaw and two others associated with Supermicro used deceitful tactics to evade detection, including removing sticky labels from servers using hairdryers and creating thousands of dummy servers that mimicked actual Supermicro equipment.

Supermicro has maintained its innocence in this case, stating it is fully cooperating with law enforcement. Liaw has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his arrest has sparked another internal investigation by the company's board, separate from a previous probe that led to the search for a new chief financial officer.

The latest investigation found no evidence that current senior management members were aware of the alleged smuggling scheme. However, Liaw's involvement in this case raises questions about his past actions and decisions while at Supermicro.

Liaw had previously served on the Supermicro board and had a long history with fellow co-founders Charles Liang and Sara Liu, who are also married and serve together on the company's board.

Before his arrest, Liaw had re-joined the board in December 2023 after previously leaving to work as a consultant for the company from May 2021 onwards.

The investigation into Supermicro's accounting practices led to the abrupt resignation of auditor EY in 2023, prompting a probe into export controls and rehiring of employees who had resigned after an earlier accounting investigation in 2017.

Weigand, CFO and chief compliance officer at the time, was held responsible for process lapses uncovered by the investigation, including a consulting arrangement with the former CFO that EY wasn't informed about. This led to a commitment from Supermicro to replace Weigand with a more experienced CFO by December 2024.

The company's woes deepened when Liaw's arrest in March 2026 triggered a new wave of subpoenas and inquiries. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, as well as foreign authorities, the Securities & Exchange Commission, and the Bureau of Industry and Security, all sought information from Supermicro related to Liaw's indictment and the company's compliance program.

The case against Liaw has been ongoing, with his trial initially set for November 2026 before being pushed back to March 2027. His lawyer argued that documents provided by Supermicro could be material to his defense, leading to a delay in proceedings.

A new CFO has been named for Supermicro, bringing fresh leadership to the company amidst ongoing investigations into a major smuggling case.

Sun's court records show that he pleaded guilty to deleting an encrypted messaging app on his phone on March 19, 2026, and is facing up to 20 years in prison for obstruction and conspiracy charges. His sentencing is scheduled for September 2027 and he will also have to forfeit any profits made from the export offenses.

The new CFO's appointment comes as the company continues to grapple with the fallout of a $2.5 billion smuggling case that led to the arrest of one of its co-founders. The board has recently added two new members, including Shesha Krishnapura, Intel's former IT CTO, and Judy Lin, who previously served as vice president at Western Digital from 2007 to September 2012.

As part of his compensation package, Long will receive a base salary of $725,000, plus a signing bonus of $500,000. He is also eligible for additional cash bonuses and an annual equity grant based on company performance and individual achievement. His initial equity grant has been valued at approximately $4.1 million.

Long's appointment as CFO brings some stability to the company after a tumultuous period, but it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complex web of investigations and regulatory scrutiny that Supermicro is currently facing.

Supermicro has finally appointed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) after months of uncertainty following a tumultuous period for the company. Charles Liang, the CEO, welcomed the appointment and expressed his gratitude to outgoing CFO Weigand.

The new CFO, Long, is expected to have an immediate positive impact on the company's financial execution, according to Liang. Weigand will remain in place to assist with the transition, but further details about his role during this period are yet to be disclosed by Supermicro. The appointment brings a sense of stability to the company as it navigates ongoing investigations and regulatory scrutiny.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/15/supermicro-new-cfo-mark-long-western-digital-nvidia-smuggling/

According to Ukrainian officials, the slowdown in service was significant enough to impact their military efforts. However, Elon Musk attributed the issue to the US government's control over the Starshield system, a military version of Starlink specifically developed for the Pentagon.

Musk stated on social media that any limitations on speed or usage are decided by the US military or the president, and that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the government. This clarification highlights the distinction between Starlink and Starshield, with the latter being designed for military use.

Starshield is a separate entity from Starlink, despite sharing similar underlying technology, Musk emphasized. He noted that Starlink is a commercial service owned and controlled by SpaceX, which has over 13 million subscribers worldwide.

The development of Starshield, SpaceX's military version of Starlink, has raised questions about its functionality and capabilities. According to SpaceX, Starshield leverages the technology and engineering expertise gained from developing Starlink, but is designed for more secure and specialized communications.

Unlike Starlink, which is a commercial service that provides broadband internet access, Starshield is a business unit within SpaceX that focuses on developing military and intelligence satellite systems for government agencies. This distinction highlights the different requirements and priorities of these two services.

While Starshield relies on the vast network of satellites provided by Starlink as its backbone, it offers enhanced encryption and dedicated terminals to ensure secure communications. Additionally, Starshield can provide users with Earth observation capabilities and integration with sensors or other payloads, making it a more comprehensive solution for military and intelligence applications.

The Pentagon has emerged as the largest customer of Starshield services, investing billions of dollars in both Starlink and Starshield contracts. This investment includes dedicated satellites, such as communications spacecraft for missile-warning missions and a spy constellation for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Recent reports have shed light on the scope of the Pentagon's spending on these satellite systems, with some details emerging from Reuters' reporting in 2024.

The relationship between SpaceX's civilian satellite network, Starlink, and its military counterpart, Starshield, has been shrouded in secrecy since Russia threatened Western satellites supporting Ukraine in 2022. The unveiling of Starshield later that year did little to clarify the precise boundaries between the two systems.

A recent dispute over pricing highlights the complexity of the issue. The Pentagon had a disagreement with SpaceX over higher costs for satellite services used by military drones during the Iran conflict, according to reports. This led to allegations that some customers were being unfairly charged for Starlink services when they should have been using the more expensive Starshield.

Despite the controversy, Britain has adopted Starshield as part of its defence strategy. The service uses the same satellite constellation and ground stations as Starlink but operates through dedicated terminals and separate network gateways. This arrangement is reportedly in place to support military operations.

Several other countries are also evaluating Starshield for potential use in their own military operations. New Zealand, for instance, is conducting a trial of the system to assess its usefulness for military purposes.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261014-what-is-starshield-spacex-s-military-version-of-starlink

The attack, which targeted energy and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv, resulted in the deaths of six people and left around 600,000 without power. In addition to the ballistic missiles, over 120 attack drones and loitering munitions were also deployed by Russia during the overnight assault.

The US has been providing intelligence to Ukraine, including data from satellites and aircraft sensors, to aid in both offensive and defensive military capabilities. This information helps identify launches of Russian aircraft and missiles, enabling Ukraine's military to prepare for potential attacks.

However, Ukrainian officials and soldiers have reported experiencing difficulties with Starlink technology on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, which is owned by SpaceX's Elon Musk. The issues may be related to the recent strikes in Kyiv, but it is unclear whether this was a deliberate effort by Russia or an unintended consequence of its military operations.

US officials have maintained that their intelligence sharing with Ukraine has not ceased overall, but rather that there was a specific incident where they did not provide warning about this week's attacks.

Ukraine relies heavily on the Starlink satellite internet service to facilitate communication and carry out military operations in areas where electronic warfare is prevalent.

The service's importance was highlighted by Ukraine's former minister of defense Mykhailo Fedorov in an earlier interview, who stated that it enables Ukrainian soldiers to communicate and conduct strikes even in environments saturated with electronic warfare.

The investigation into potential US withholding of warnings to Ukraine regarding the deadly Kyiv strikes continues. SpaceX, the White House, and the Pentagon have all been contacted for comment but have yet to respond.

Ukraine's former minister of defense Mykhailo Fedorov described the service as crucial in an earlier interview, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to communicate and conduct strikes even in environments with limited access. A high-ranking official has since stated that Russia views US warnings as weak, claiming "Russia does not consider the statements of the President of America to be strong." This sentiment was echoed by a recent post on X, where it was noted that the strike against Kyiv was deliberate and unprecedented in its scale.

CBS News World: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-ukraine-intelligence-russia-war-missile-strikes-kyiv-power-outages/

The attacks on Kyiv this week raised concerns among allies, who typically provide advance warning of such strikes. However, in this case, Ukraine said it received no alert from its intelligence partners. Two officials familiar with the situation confirmed that there was a lack of intelligence sharing following these events.

Ukraine's military is heavily reliant on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations. Recently, however, Ukrainian officials and military units began accusing SpaceX of intentionally throttling this technology. This claim suggests that access to Starlink services has been restricted in some way.

It remains unclear what might be behind the Starlink interruptions, but some Ukrainian officials have pointed out that Elon Musk's close ties to former President Donald Trump could be a factor, given the current pressure on Ukraine to make concessions at the negotiating table.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's defense tech adviser Serhii Beskrestnov revealed that SpaceX had imposed speed limits on Starlink satellite internet terminals overnight without warning Ukraine's military forces.

This sudden restriction led to the failure of several missions, as evidenced by an army unit fighting in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. The 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Ukrainian air assault forces reported experiencing connectivity problems caused by data transfer speed limits, which directly affected drones that rely on Starlink for in-flight control.

The disruptions to drone operations were significant enough to force the cancellation of some planned missions. The army unit noted that while the drones continued to fly, the interruptions made them harder to control, highlighting the critical impact of the Starlink restrictions on Ukraine's military efforts.

Ukraine's military has been facing significant challenges in operating its Starlink systems due to new restrictions imposed by SpaceX. The restrictions specifically limit the operation of the military-grade version of Starlink to speeds below 100 mph. This move has severely impacted Ukraine's ability to effectively utilize the service for its aerial defenses.

The limitations have also affected the country's efforts to intercept jet-powered drones deployed by Moscow in recent months. These drones pose a significant threat to Ukrainian cities, and the restricted access to Starlink has hindered the country's ability to respond adequately. The Ukrainian military had been relying heavily on Starlink for its defense systems.

Ukraine's government has sought clarification from both the US government and SpaceX regarding the rationale behind these new restrictions but has yet to receive a response. It was only after filing a complaint with customer support that the Ukrainian military learned about the limitations, highlighting a lack of prior notification by SpaceX.

The situation in Ukraine has taken a complicated turn as the country's military faces restrictions on its Starlink internet service provided by SpaceX. The limitations have apparently disrupted Ukraine's operations at a time when it is already struggling to cope with intelligence gaps.

Ukraine had initially been warned about the possibility of Russia launching a ballistic missile strike, but no specific warning was given for this particular attack. As a result, Ukrainian authorities were caught off guard and only received an alert after the explosions occurred. This lack of early warning highlights a critical issue in Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

Ukraine relies heavily on intelligence assistance from its partners, including the US, which has provided significant satellite and eavesdropping intelligence. The country views this support as crucial to its fight against Russia. However, any limitations or disruptions to this assistance can have serious consequences for Ukraine's military operations.

The lack of advance warning for the second Russian attack on Ukraine's air defenses has raised questions about the effectiveness of intelligence sharing between Ukraine and its allies. Ukrainian officials have been tight-lipped about the reasons behind the delayed alert, but one official attributed it to bad weather. In contrast, a different official suggested that the issue may not be a coincidence.

European officials are also trying to understand why there was no advance notice of the second attack, with two officials telling NBC News that they are still seeking clarification on the matter. The lack of warning has significant implications for Ukraine's military operations, which rely heavily on timely intelligence and support from its allies. Any disruptions to this assistance can have serious consequences.

The situation has been further complicated by the fact that at least 600,000 people across Ukraine were left without power after the latest wave of Russian attacks, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Russia of violating an energy truce announced by former US President Donald Trump.

Ukraine's military has been severely impacted by a sudden restriction on the use of Starlink satellite internet service, which has become a crucial lifeline for war-torn areas. This decision is seen as a major setback for Ukraine's efforts to combat Russian forces.

The situation has been further complicated by the fact that Musk has seemingly shifted his stance on the conflict, echoing Trump's criticism of Ukraine's military operations. This change in attitude has led to accusations that SpaceX may have deliberately limited Ukraine's battlefield capabilities, sparking outrage among European officials and intensifying the already dire situation for Ukraine as it struggles with intelligence gaps.

NBC News World: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/ukraine-starlink-restrictions-military-intel-trump-zelenskyy-russia-rcna603412

Serhii Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated on social media that Elon Musk's SpaceX had implemented speed limits for Starlink terminals overnight. This move has reportedly affected the operation of Starshield, a dedicated satellite network for military services, which operates at speeds above 100 miles per hour.

The disruption is said to be complicating various aspects of military operations, including logistics and drone strikes. The Ukrainian defense ministry confirmed the issue and stated that it is currently being investigated, although no explanation has been provided so far.

The reliance of Ukraine's military on Elon Musk and SpaceX for Starlink access has been a double-edged sword in its fight against Russian forces. While drones equipped with Starlink dishes have proven to be highly effective in targeting enemy positions, the country's dependence on Musk's company has left it vulnerable to disruptions.

SpaceX's decision to limit or cut off access to Starlink services has had significant consequences for Ukraine's military operations. In 2022, a Ukrainian counteroffensive was jeopardized when SpaceX suspended Starlink access to frontline troops, and in 2023, Musk refused a request from the Ukrainian military to activate Starlink to support an assault on Crimea.

However, it appears that Musk has become a more reliable ally for Ukraine. Following a personal appeal by the then-defense minister, SpaceX took action against Russian forces' use of Starlink terminals in Ukraine, allowing Ukrainian forces to launch a successful counteroffensive in February.

As Ukraine's military struggles with disruptions to its Starlink access, Elon Musk has reignited his past criticisms of President Zelenskyy. In a post on X, Musk stated that the Ukrainian president had "gone too far with his strikes on Russian refineries, but he has not yet commented on reports of Starlink outages in Ukraine.

The disruption in Starlink access has affected military operations in Ukraine, according to officials. This comes after a series of Russian ballistic missile attacks against Kyiv on Monday and Tuesday nights. The timing of these strikes has raised concerns about the reliability of intelligence sharing between Ukraine's international partners.

Ukrainian officials have pointed out that their international partners did not provide advance warning for both missile attacks, breaking from standard practice in intelligence sharing. This lack of communication has led to speculation about the reasons behind the disruptions in Starlink access. In response to a question about US intelligence sharing with Ukraine, President Donald Trump stated that Washington continued to share intelligence despite Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites.

The disruption in Starlink access is now linked by officials to tensions between the US and Ukraine. It is clear that this action is not coincidental and is related to the current political situation," said Beskrestnov, a Zelenskyy advisor, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-starlink-access-slowed-down-affecting-military-operations-elon-musk-2026-10

One of the key investigations involves 3D models of the human brain, which will be used to study how space travel affects the brain at a cellular level. To achieve this, small lab-grown models of the brain will be sent to the space station for five weeks, where they will be compared with identical samples kept on Earth.

Researchers are particularly interested in understanding what happens to the human brain during long-duration missions. The experiment aims to shed light on this question by analyzing tissue samples from both the space-bound and terrestrial models.

The research also includes studies of crop disease, a faster method for assessing astronaut health, and an analysis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria aboard the space station.

The research is also focused on understanding how microgravity affects plant growth and development, which could have significant implications for future space missions.

A key aspect of this effort is a study examining whether crop diseases spread more quickly in microgravity environments. To investigate this, scientists are comparing the molecular and structural changes that occur when plants grown on Earth are infected with a disease-causing fungus to those experienced by identical plants grown in space.

This research has far-reaching implications for agriculture on our planet as well, potentially leading to the development of new crop varieties more resistant to disease. By gaining a deeper understanding of how microgravity affects plant growth and disease progression, scientists can also inform strategies for minimizing yield losses in future space agriculture systems.

The spacecraft carrying out this mission is equipped with advanced technology designed to support these experiments, including a compact microplate reader that will enable the detection and measurement of biomarkers such as antibodies and proteins.

The research conducted on board the space station aims to improve the detection of infections and health issues among astronauts. This is particularly important for long-duration missions where medical supplies may be scarce.

A crucial aspect of this investigation involves studying how antibiotic-resistant bacteria thrive in microgravity environments. To achieve this, researchers are sampling surfaces throughout the space station repeatedly to monitor for drug-resistant organisms.

These findings have significant implications for both space exploration and Earth-based health care. On one hand, they could lead to the development of strategies to protect astronauts against bacterial infections during extended missions.

The research's outcome may also shed light on how superbugs emerge as a result of antibiotic overuse on our planet.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-nasa-spacex-crs-mission-health.html

The company has announced that it will acquire nationwide 800 MHz low-band spectrum, a key component needed to build out its Starlink Mobile service. This acquisition is expected to improve signal propagation and allow satellite coverage to penetrate physical obstacles such as building walls, dense foliage, and hilly terrain.

According to Musk, this deal represents the final critical piece of the puzzle in providing complete phone coverage across the US. He made the comment on social media platform X, underscoring the importance of this development for his company's ambitions.

As part of the agreement, SpaceX will acquire a portfolio of low-band spectrum from investment firm Grain Management for an estimated $8 billion. The deal includes up to 14 megahertz of paired airwaves, enabling two-way data transmission between satellites and mobile devices.

The acquisition is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has yet to set a timeline for its decision on this matter.

The acquisition of low-band spectrum by Starlink Mobile is a crucial step towards realizing its cellular ambitions. This frequency range has the physical properties necessary to penetrate concrete walls and dense foliage, effectively solving the problem of indoor dead zones that have long limited satellite-to-phone connectivity.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given SpaceX the green light to launch 15,000 new satellites, which will deliver more than 100 times the bandwidth of its current satellites. These satellites will transmit phone calls, texts, and data directly from space to devices on the ground without the need for modification. This technology promises high-speed service anywhere in the world.

The emergence of Starlink Mobile as a potential alternative to traditional cellphone carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless is gaining momentum. For those seeking an alternative, this option could provide a new way forward.

Combining its newly acquired low-band spectrum with the massive fleet of next-generation satellites will enable Starlink Mobile to create a hybrid network. This innovative system will use satellite beams and ground infrastructure in tandem to penetrate walls and eliminate indoor dead zones across the US.

The FCC's approval of the deal with Grain Management is still pending, but if it goes through, the new network will leverage high-bandwidth frequencies to deliver high-speed data directly to ordinary mobile devices. SpaceX plans to accelerate deployment of this system next year.

The acquisition of low-spectrum bandwidth by SpaceX is a significant step towards its ambitious goal of providing complete phone coverage in America. However, industry experts warn that this alone may not be enough to compete effectively against major carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

According to analyst Tim Farrar, simply acquiring more spectrum will not guarantee success for SpaceX's satellite-to-cell service. To achieve reliable building penetration in urban areas, the company would need to deploy ground-based towers, a move that is likely to incur significant costs. This additional infrastructure investment could make it difficult for SpaceX to compete with established players.

The challenges facing SpaceX were underscored by T-Mobile's chief financial officer, Peter Osvaldik, who dismissed the idea of Starlink as a competitive threat to traditional wireless coverage. He pointed out that signal strength would be severely degraded by the time it reaches a phone from a satellite, making it difficult for the technology to provide reliable service.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/starlink-acquires-low-band-spectrum/