Russian Space Project: Putin names Rassvet as Starlink rival

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has maintained close contact with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to build a domestic competitor to Starlink. He made the comments during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday, October 28.

Putin described Musk as a genius while discussing the gap between the two space programs. He noted that Musk currently has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit. Russia’s own project, Rassvet, currently has 31 satellites in orbit.

Rassvet is a satellite internet constellation developed by Bureau 1440, a Russian aerospace company. Putin framed the development as part of a wider need for order in low Earth orbit. He stated, "In orbit, it is very important not to interfere with one another and to adhere to certain rules, discipline, and order."

The praise for Musk occurs while tensions remain high between SpaceX and Ukraine. Earlier this month, Ukrainian officials accused Musk of restricting Starlink usage that impacted military capabilities. The Guardian reported that Musk initially denied ordering those restrictions. He later admitted to closing a loophole that allowed the Ukrainian military to use the service for drone strikes.

The summit comments indicate continued collaboration between the Russian leadership and the American technology executive. This dialogue continues as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine approaches its fifth year with ongoing military actions in the region.