Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Elon Musk as a “true genius”, saying Moscow maintains close contact with the US billionaire over satellite technology.
Putin made the remarks at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, where he discussed Russia’s plans to develop its own satellite internet network, known as Rassvet.
He said maintaining contact with Musk was important to ensure that Russia’s Rassvet satellites and SpaceX’s Starlink network did not interfere with each other while operating in orbit.
“We and our American partners both value this cooperation and are working hard on it, despite all the differences and political issues,” Putin said.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, provides internet access through a network of satellites. SpaceX says it has launched about 13,000 satellites to date.
By comparison, satellite-tracking websites indicate that only a few dozen Rassvet satellites are currently in orbit.
SpaceX did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
