Russia is preparing a $60 billion plan to revive its space industry, but catching up with SpaceX and China’s rapidly expanding launch programs is proving to be a difficult challenge.
According to Bloomberg, Moscow wants to modernize Roscosmos, expand satellite production, and build its own version of Starlink. The strategy is designed to restore Russia’s position in the global space industry after years of declining competitiveness.
However, the country faces significant obstacles.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has stretched government finances, while Western sanctions have limited access to advanced technology. At the same time, competition has intensified as both the United States and China continue accelerating their space ambitions.
The gap has become increasingly clear in launch activity. While the US completed around 170 orbital launches in 2025, driven largely by SpaceX, China carried out roughly 90 launches. Russia, by comparison, recorded only around 15 launches, highlighting how far it has fallen behind the world’s two leading space powers.
Russia hopes new investment will help reverse that trend by focusing on:
- A domestic satellite internet network to compete with Starlink.
- New launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Modernizing Roscosmos and attracting private investment.
Still, analysts say rebuilding Russia’s space industry will take years. SpaceX has established a commanding lead in reusable rockets and satellite deployment, while China continues investing heavily in commercial launch providers and space infrastructure.
For investors, the story reflects the growing importance of the global space economy, where government funding, satellite communications, and AI-powered infrastructure are becoming increasingly interconnected. As the US and China widen their lead, Russia faces an uphill battle to regain its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
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