Russia is launching mass production of "Zorkiy" satellites, created as a domestic analogue of the Starlink system from SpaceX. This was announced by the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov. The devices will be used for space photography and the creation of digital maps, which will be used to guide unmanned systems.
According to Bakanov, mass production of satellites will start as early as 2026. It is planned to form an orbital group of more than 300 devices by 2027. This network will not only allow mapping the territory, but also provide communication in remote regions where terrestrial networks are absent or unstable.
The "Zorkiy" satellites belong to the devices of remote sensing of the Earth. Based on their data, accurate digital maps are created for unmanned vehicles, as well as monitoring and communication systems. Their low orbit allows for high-resolution shooting and significantly reduces the cost of data transmission compared to geostationary satellites.
At the same time, the Russian aerospace company "Bureau 1440" (part of "IKS Holding") is launching a pilot project in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, providing communication using low-orbit satellites. This approach promises to reduce the cost of communication services and expand coverage in hard-to-reach areas.