Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev reported that the country has independently launched over 30 satellites, contrasting sharply with the thousands operated by Musk's company. Vladimir Putin noted that Russia's objective is to transition from quality to quantity in orbit while maintaining contact with American partners to prevent space interference. Meanwhile, the Starlink network continues to play a vital communications role for Ukraine's military despite recent temporary service restrictions.
Key points
Russia is actively trying to expand its domestic satellite constellation to eventually ri…: Russia is actively trying to expand its domestic satellite constellation to eventually rival the Starlink network.
Moscow maintains regular contact with American partners, including Elon Musk, to maintain…: Moscow maintains regular contact with American partners, including Elon Musk, to maintain orbital discipline and prevent interference.
Starlink remains a vital asset for Ukrainian battlefield communications despite occasiona…: Starlink remains a vital asset for Ukrainian battlefield communications despite occasional service friction with SpaceX.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a "real genius", acknowledging Russia’s early progress in developing its own Starlink-like satellite internet system.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Elon Musk as a genius on Wednesday (Oct 28), acknowledging Russia is only beginning to roll out its answer to his Starlink satellite internet system.
The admission was all the more striking because a version of Starlink, developed by Musk's SpaceX, has been used by Ukraine's military throughout the war with Russia as a key component of drone operations and battlefield communications.
Putin made the remark while listening to a presentation by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev, who said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as it builds its own Starlink equivalent.
"Just a second, I want to point out this is just our first step. Elon Musk is a genius, he's just a real genius," said Putin, who was accompanied by a group of African leaders attending a summit in Moscow.
PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA IN CONTACT WITH US PARTNERS
Shadayev said in reply to a question from Putin that…
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