diff --git a/wyoming_satellite/__main__.py b/wyoming_satellite/__main__.py
index 1e5370a..22d617d 100644
--- a/wyoming_satellite/__main__.py
+++ b/wyoming_satellite/__main__.py
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ async def main() -> None:
         satellite = AlwaysStreamingSatellite(settings)
 
     if args.startup_command:
-        await run_event_command(args.startup_command)
+        await run_event_command(_split(args.startup_command))
 
     _LOGGER.info("Ready")