Putin praises Musk as Russia launches Starlink rival Rassvet

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk a real genius while Russia begins rolling out its own Starlink-like satellite internet system called Rassvet. Putin made the remarks on Wednesday, October 28, during a presentation by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Putin said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as it builds its own equivalent and is only taking its first steps. He added that the task now is to move from quality to quantity.

“Elon Musk is a genius, he's just a real genius.”

Shadayev said Musk has more than 5,000 low-orbit satellites operational, though independent tracking site Orbital Radar puts the actual figure close to 10,000. Starlink says it has launched approximately 13,000 satellites.

Ukraine has relied heavily on Starlink and its military version Starshield for drone operations and battlefield communications throughout the war. Ukrainian forces faced sudden connectivity problems with Starlink last week.

Putin said Russia remains in close contact with American partners, including Musk, to avoid interference in orbit and maintain discipline and order. SpaceX has not responded to a BBC request for comment.

The Russian embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as Russia's Starlink alternative and said Moscow maintains close contacts with Washington on space matters, including Elon Musk.