Russia's Rassvet satellites offer an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink internet network, which is banned in the country (Bureau 1440)Russia is ramping up the deployment of a satellite internet system that rivals SpaceX's Starlink network, according to Ukrainian officials. Starlink is banned in Russia but is widely used in Ukraine, where it has given Kyiv a major advantage in drone operations and battlefield communications. SpaceX boss Elon Musk has blocked efforts from Kyiv to use the Starlink service for drone strikes within Russia, claiming that it could lead to an escalation in the conflict. "Once Russia deploys a full satellite constellation, the system will operate like Starlink. SpaceX's Starlink network has more than 10,000 operational satellites in low-Earth orbit, with plans to expand it to quadruple its current size.