Putin Says Russia Has Begun Deploying Rassvet as Starlink Alternative

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has begun deploying Rassvet, a domestic satellite network meant to replace Starlink, marking a new step in Moscow's effort to build an alternative to SpaceX.

Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on Oct. 28, Putin praised SpaceX founder Elon Musk and said Russia remains in contact with him. Putin has also discussed Russia's contact with Musk about satellite systems.

Putin said Russia remains far behind SpaceX in satellite communications and highlighted the company's work in the field. SpaceX has launched thousands of satellites into orbit, he said.