During the plenary session of the Strategic Initiatives Agency (SIA) forum "Strong Ideas for a New Time", President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin was told 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 ultra-low orbits is the strong influence on them of the residual atmosphere and Earth's gravity, which leads to the descent of spacecraft from orbit. However, Russian engineers have already developed an engine that will keep satellites at a given altitude. They asked Putin to instruct "Roscosmos" to provide a budget for testing new satellites and to instruct the government to allocate financing for the development of low space.
"This is a very interesting and promising direction. You are absolutely right when you say that this niche is not taken and we need to actively work here while it is not occupied. Therefore, I will definitely talk to Yuri Ivanovich [head of "Roscosmos" Yuri Borisov]", - Putin responded to this.