Dmitry bakanov, director of the Russian Space Agency, said on the 17th that Russia will soon launch a satellite system similar to "Starlink" and will challenge the status of "Starlink". The latter is operated by SpaceX, a company founded by American entrepreneur Musk.
It is understood that Musk's "star chain" Internet satellite can provide high-speed broadband Internet services to areas where network connections are unstable, costly or completely inaccessible through about 7,000 small satellites running in near-Earth orbit. During the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Ukrainian military used it to coordinate operations and monitor the front line's drone system.
Bakanov revealed on the 17th that Russia is scheduled to launch the first batch of Internet satellites in December this year: "We have tested some satellites in orbit and made some improvements." Bakanov said that it is expected to fully deploy this satellite network within two years. According to the report, Bakanov also said earlier that the satellite Internet system developed by Russia will help the country's army control drones more accurately.
In an interview, Bakanov admitted that the Russian Space Agency must attract more young talent, saying that Russia has learned from past mistakes.
Red Star journalist Li Jinrui
Edited by Jan.