Vladimir Putin Praises Elon Musk Amid Russian Satellite Push
Vladimir Putin stated Russia maintains close contact with Elon Musk to ensure orbital discipline while developing the Rassvet satellite system as a Starlink alternative.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday that Russia maintains close contact with United States partners, including SpaceX founder Elon Musk, to prevent spacecraft interference and maintain orbital discipline. Speaking at a technology exhibition in Moscow for African leaders, Putin described Musk as a "real genius."
While praising American achievements, Putin acknowledged that Russia is in the early stages of developing Rassvet, a low-Earth-orbit satellite system intended as an alternative to Starlink. Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev reported that the project has already seen the launch of more than 30 satellites.
Putin asserted that digital sovereignty is essential for full national sovereignty, noting that only Russia, the United States, and China possess a full range of sovereign technological capabilities.
