During the plenary session of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) forum "Strong Ideas for a New Time," Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about a new private initiative to create satellites for low orbits (200 km). The head of state supported the idea.
The problem with satellites for very low orbits is the strong influence of the residual atmosphere and Earth's gravity on them, which leads to spacecraft deorbiting. However, Russian engineers have already developed an engine that will keep the satellites at a given altitude. Putin was asked to instruct Roscosmos to provide a budget for testing new satellites and to instruct the government to allocate funding for the development of low space.
«This is a very interesting and promising direction. You are absolutely right when you say that the niche is not occupied, and we need to actively work here until it is occupied. Therefore, I will definitely talk to Yuri Ivanovich [head of "Roscosmos" Yuri Borisov]», – Putin replied.