Lead

The number of satellites in orbit worldwide has surpassed 11,000, according to Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov, who also highlighted Russia's latest launch and the scope of the country's national space program.

Speaking in an interview with TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov, Bakanov said that launch activity is growing year on year and that the global satellite fleet now exceeds 11,000. He described this as part of a steady trend toward the advancement of space technologies in many countries.

Coverage comparison

Three separate reports from the Russian state news agency TASS covered different aspects of Bakanov's remarks. One focused on the global satellite milestone and Russia's Rassvet launch. Another detailed the eight federal projects comprising Russia's Space national project. A third carried the Roscosmos chief's comments on technological progress during what Moscow calls its special military operation in Ukraine.

All three reports attributed statements directly to Bakanov, with no additional sourcing. The reports reflect the official messaging of the Russian space agency and government.

Key claims

  • The total number of satellites in orbit globally has exceeded 11,000, as reported by TASS based on Bakanov's interview.
  • The number of orbital launches is increasing every year, according to the same source.
  • On March 24, Russia's Bureau 1440 launched the first 16 satellites of the Rassvet low-Earth orbit constellation. TASS reported that the spacecraft feature 5G NTN communication architecture, upgraded power systems, next-generation inter-satellite laser communication terminals, and plasma propulsion.
  • Russia's Space national project consists of eight federal projects: navigation and communications (including GLONASS), Earth remote sensing, carrier rockets and spaceports, manned spaceflight, deep space and the lunar program, space nuclear energy, industry modernization, and human resources for space, per Bakanov's description.
  • Bakanov declined to single out any project as most important, reportedly comparing such a choice to "choosing which of your children you love more."
  • Bakanov said Russia has made "significant progress" in space technology during the special military operation, and that the country is "competitive across all spheres" of space technology, as quoted by TASS.
  • The agency also reported that 1,357 Roscosmos staff are participating in the special military operation, that the corporation has retained their positions, and that it has helped their families find employment.