Russia to Launch 900 Internet Satellites as Private Firms Join National Tech Push

A private Russian company will deploy a massive satellite constellation to boost high-speed internet access and digital infrastructure nationwide.

Russia plans to launch approximately 900 satellites to expand its high-speed internet coverage, according to Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, speaking at the CIPR-2025 conference.

The rollout will occur in two stages: the first will see 300 satellites launched, followed by an additional 600. A separate satellite constellation, made up of 50 Earth observation satellites, will be used for environmental and infrastructure monitoring. The operator’s annual goal is to image 5 billion square meters of Earth’s surface to meet domestic needs.

Bakanov also announced that starting in 2026, payment models for satellite services will shift. Private companies are expected to share the financial burden of orbital infrastructure, prompting government agencies to adopt a transparent, market-based pricing model for space-based services. This transition is aimed at improving competition and service quality for major government clients.

Roscosmos reports that Russia currently ranks third globally in satellite deployment speed, with nearly 300 domestically built satellites already in orbit.