The government has announced an ambitious plan to build a microsatellite network in low Earth orbit, aiming to extend broadband internet access across Russia by 2030. The proposal appears in the cabinet document titled Strategy for the Development of the Communications Sector through 2035, which is publicly available on the government website. The strategy outlines the creation of a nationwide constellation of Russian low-orbit satellites designed to deliver reliable broadband connectivity to diverse regions, including those that historically faced limited or disrupted terrestrial service.
Beyond providing consumer internet access, the satellite system is intended to support critical communications. In remote and underserved areas where mobile networks are sparse or non-existent, the constellation would facilitate stable communications for emergency services, public safety operations, and regional administrations. This capability would help ensure continuity of service during natural disasters, industrial incidents, and other events that strain ground-based networks.
Officials project that the initial segment of the Russian space-based network could become operational by 2030, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space and digital infrastructure strategy. As the plan progresses, authorities expect to refine the constellation’s architecture, orbital slots, and interoperability with terrestrial networks to maximize coverage, resilience, and user experience across both urban centers and remote zones.
Separately, on November 29, Moscow approved a collaboration with Beijing to pursue a lunar research station. The joint initiative envisions the construction and development of a space facility on or near the Moon, reflecting a broader push for international cooperation in space exploration and science. Such collaborations are seen as advancing scientific knowledge, technology exchange, and potential future uses of lunar resources for research and industry.
In the meantime, Russia’s space forces continued ongoing launch activity. The Aerospace Forces recently conducted a Soyuz-2.1b mission from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, deploying a military satellite as part of routine defense-related space operations. These launches underscore the country’s dual-use approach to space, balancing strategic military objectives with scientific and civilian applications that bolster national space capabilities.
Commentators and industry observers have noted that public explanations for the pace and scope of activities in space research and the International Space Station program emphasize different priorities. Officials have attributed slower growth in certain Russian experiments aboard the ISS to a combination of logistical challenges, budget allocations, and the shifting priorities of international partnerships. Nevertheless, the country remains committed to advancing its own space science programs while seeking avenues for collaboration where feasible, signaling a deliberate strategy to diversify space activities and maintain momentum across multiple frontiers.