Asger Risom
Russia’s space agency head says a domestic version of Starlink will be launched soon, aiming for independent control over satellite internet services.
Russia’s space agency head says a domestic version of Starlink will be launched soon, aiming for independent control over satellite internet services.
Who’s Announcing This Plan
Dmitry Bakanov, head of the Russian space agency, announced plans to launch a domestic alternative to Starlink during a televised interview.
What Starlink Does
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, uses satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet access, especially in areas without working infrastructure—such as war zones.
Russia’s Goal: Own Terminal Soon
Bakanov stated that Russia will be launching its own terminal “soon,” hinting at a full communications system comparable to Starlink’s.
Existing Use of Starlink in Ukraine
Starlink has been crucial for Ukrainian communications, especially in battlefield conditions where traditional networks have been destroyed.
Starlink Terminals in Russia via Black Market
Despite being officially unavailable, Starlink devices are being smuggled into Russia and resold through platforms like Telegram, often with instructions to evade detection.
Why Russia Needs a Counterpart
Russia appears to be pursuing its own system to avoid dependence on foreign infrastructure and to ensure secure, state-controlled communication capabilities.
What’s Not Yet Clear
Russia hasn’t released specific details like satellite count, deployment timeline, or system coverage, making the launch timeline uncertain.
A Strategic and Military Priority
Given Starlink’s impact in Ukraine, Russia’s push for its own satellite internet may reflect not just technological ambitions—but military urgency.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
