Russia is ramping up efforts to create its own satellite internet service to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, as reported by Reuters. Dmitry Bakanov, the new head of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency, stated that the country is leaving behind outdated thinking that allowed Elon Musk’s company to dominate low Earth orbit connectivity.
Bakanov mentioned in an interview with Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov that several test vehicles in orbit have been inspected and production ones have been modified accordingly. He emphasized that progress is being made rapidly in this direction. The project is being developed by Bureau 1440, a Russian aerospace company working on a low Earth orbit satellite system for global broadband. Bakanov, who previously led Gonets, a satellite communications service primarily used for government purposes, stressed the need for Roscosmos to attract young engineering talent to effectively compete.
Meanwhile, Starlink has become the world’s leading satellite internet provider, with over 7 million users across 150 countries and territories. SpaceX recently achieved its 300th Starlink launch, with approximately 8,000 satellites currently in orbit. Beyond satellite broadband, Musk’s company aims to provide satellite-powered global cellular service, investing $17 billion to secure wireless spectrum from EchoStar.
The widespread adoption of Starlink, particularly in remote areas and conflict zones, has highlighted its significance. Ukrainian forces have heavily relied on the service during the conflict with Russia, making it a sensitive point for Moscow.
While Russia once led the space race with achievements like launching Sputnik 1 in 1957 and sending Yuri Gagarin into orbit in 1961, its space program has faced challenges since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Bakanov acknowledged past mistakes, including rejecting Musk’s early attempts to purchase Russian rockets in 2002, which led him to establish SpaceX and challenge Russia’s launch industry.
The ability of Roscosmos to compete with Starlink remains uncertain, but Bakanov is determined to push ahead at full throttle. Only time will tell if Russia can mount a significant challenge to SpaceX’s dominance in the satellite internet market.