Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, is preparing to launch its initial group of satellite internet terminals later this year in an effort to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink network, according to statements made by Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov on Thursday.

“The first launch is set for the end of this year,” Bakanov informed the state-run TASS news agency, noting that the mission will include 16 satellites. “It will be similar to the way Starlink was deployed.”

The Rassvet low-orbit satellites, developed by the Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440, aim to deliver broadband internet access. There are plans to deploy over 900 satellites by 2035, with commercial services utilizing more than 250 satellites expected to commence in 2027.

On Wednesday, Bakanov mentioned that Roscosmos would start the regular deployment of these satellites in December of this year.

Rassvet forms part of a larger Russian space development initiative valued at 4.4 trillion rubles (approximately $57 billion) and was endorsed by President Vladimir Putin last week.

Starlink terminals have played a vital role in supporting Ukraine’s communications on the battlefield since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of utilizing Starlink devices acquired illegally from third-party countries.

Putin initially revealed plans for a competitor to Starlink, named Sfera, in 2018, but that initiative was discontinued due to sanctions imposed on Roscosmos.

In June 2023, Roscosmos initiated the launch of three satellites as part of the Rassvet-1 project during the tenure of former director Yury Borisov, who was removed from his position in February following a series of failures and delays in programs.