Russia Developing Satellite Internet Competitor to Starlink, as Per News Report
In a bid to shake up the market for satellite internet services, Russia is developing a news satellite system to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The project, being spearheaded by Bureau 1440, aims to provide global broadband internet service in low Earth orbit.
Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Roscosmos space agency, has been vocal about Russia's ambitions to move past outdated thinking that allowed SpaceX to dominate low Earth orbit connectivity. Bakanov, previously the head of Gonets, a smaller satellite communications service used primarily for government purposes, is now involved in this new att.
SpaceX, under Elon Musk's leadership, has made significant strides in satellite internet services. The company has spent $17 billion to secure wireless spectrum from EchoStar and has launched 300 Starlink satellites as of this month. Starlink recently surpassed 7 million users across 150 countries and territories, underscoring its growing influence in the market.
However, Russia's space programme has faced challenges since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Plagued by underfunding, mismanagement, and recent failures, such as the 2023 Luna-25 crash on the Moon, the country is now working to overcome 'inertia' and attract young engineering talent to compete effectively.
Bakanov insists Russia is pushing ahead while firing on all cylinders in its attempt to challenge Starlink. Roscosmos, under his leadership, is focused on attracting new talent and developing innovative technologies. Several test vehicles for the new satellite system have already been internet speed testd, and production ones have been modified.
The head of Bureau 1440, the company developing the satellite network operation, remains unnamed in available search results. However, it is known that the new system is intended to use Russia's satellite network to counter SpaceX's Starlink.
Interestingly, the development of this new system comes at a time when Ukraine's forces have heavily relied on Starlink during the ongoing war with Russia. The implications of a viable alternative could be significant for geopolitical dynamics in the region.
SpaceX also has ambitious plans for satellite-powered global cellular service. It remains to be seen how this new development in Russia's space programme will impact the competitive landscape in the satellite internet services market.
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