The Security Council of Russia has declared during a scientific-expert meeting that Western satellite communication systems, such as Starlink and OneWeb, purportedly pose a significant threat to sovereign states. According to the claims made by Russian authorities, these global space-based networks are allegedly utilized to undermine socio-political stability and interfere in the internal affairs of independent nations.
Key Takeaways: The Russian Security Council officially classified Starlink and OneWeb as informational risks. In response, the Russian authorities insist on rapidly scaling up the domestic 'Rassvet' satellite internet project to counter Western technological dominance.
The Security Council's statement emphasizes that the primary dangers stem from the deployment of Western space communication systems above the territories of sovereign states. Russian officials express particular concern over the aggressive expansion of Starlink services in countries actively seeking to digitalize their national economies, suggesting it creates uncontrollable external dependencies.
Facing what it perceives as critical technological challenges, Moscow claims it must drastically increase the serial production of its own spacecraft for the 'Rassvet' constellation. Initiated in 2022, this domestic project currently comprises a mere 32 satellites, highlighting a massive technological gap compared to American billionaire Elon Musk's constellation, which aims for 42,000 spacecraft.
Previously, representatives of the Russian space agency Roscosmos stated that the first phase of the 'Rassvet' project should include 350 satellites providing 24/7 global coverage, with future expansions targeting up to 900 units. However, independent analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility and timeline of these ambitious goals amid ongoing economic constraints and technological sanctions.
Source: kun.uz