From State Endeavors to Private Innovation

Vladimir Yevtushenkov, founder of the investment giant AFK Sistema, emphasizes that space is fundamentally an industry vital to national security and independence. While government agencies have traditionally led the charge, the landscape is now increasingly shaped by both state and private enterprises.

The industry is embracing the NewSpace philosophy — focusing on private sector development and making space more accessible and affordable. This shift enables businesses to accelerate decision-making, innovate with cutting-edge technologies, and attract investment.

In Russia, this trend is evident in the rise of companies designing spacecraft, components, and launch vehicles. A prime example is Sputnix (a subsidiary of AFK Sistema). Founded as a startup in Skolkovo 15 years ago, Sputnix has evolved from creating Russia’s first private microsatellite, Tabletsat-Aurora, to becoming a full-cycle enterprise. Today, it independently designs, manufactures, launches, and manages satellites — delivering commercial and government data services.

Emerging Trends in Russia’s Private Space Sector

The private space industry is expanding in diverse directions. Innovations like 3D printing promise to cut launch costs by 50%–70% by 2030, opening new opportunities for projects and startups.

For instance, a private American company successfully launched the Terran 1 expendable rocket in 2023, with 85% of its parts manufactured via 3D printing. A reusable successor, Terran R, is slated for launch in 2026.

Other entrepreneurs are developing private launch infrastructure. Russia’s first private spaceport is currently under construction in the Primorye Region, promising to reduce costs and risks for investors.

Meanwhile, private companies push ahead with the development of small spacecraft:

• Earth remote sensing satellites: Providing high-resolution images essential for urban planning, agriculture, forestry, and emergency response. Sputnix’s Zorki-2M satellites exemplify this sector.

• Communication satellites: Sputnix is creating 5G NTN platforms to bridge space and terrestrial communication networks.

• Scientific and educational satellites: In December 2025, Sputnix launched an educational satellite from Vostochny Spaceport for the UAE, designed for research experiments, materials processing, and amateur radio broadcasting — fostering space exploration in Arab countries.

In addition, there are satellites for transport and military purposes, meteorological and navigation devices.

Supporting Space Innovation: Government Initiatives

Russia actively promotes private sector growth through extended state programs.

"The Space Activities of Russia" program, extended in 2025 until 2036, aims to secure Russia’s strategic presence in space for scientific and socio-economic benefits.

Furthermore, the 2026 national project "Development of Space Activities of the Russian Federation" seeks to establish an independent, competitive space industry, fostering new markets and technological advancements. A key objective is to involve private enterprise in national space initiatives.

In line with this, Sputnix plans to launch the "Kinosputnik" — high-resolution satellite in late 2026, supporting infrastructure monitoring and construction oversight as part of the national effort.

Private space endeavors are no longer just a trend — they are becoming a tangible reality in Russia. The national project envisions deploying over 1,100 satellites in communications and Earth observation.