In Russia, tests of the unmanned stratospheric 5G platform Stratospheric, capable of compensating for the blocking of Starlink, have begun. This was stated by the adviser to the head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Sergey Beskrestnov (Flash).
According to him, the first launch of the platform took place within the framework of the Barrage-1 project.
"The platform is capable of lifting up to 100 kg of cargo to a height of up to 20 km… The platform is seen as an affordable and efficient alternative to expensive satellite constellations on LEO. One of the priorities of Barrage will be the development of 5G NTN communications. The placement of transmitters at an altitude of 20 km will provide high—speed Internet and communication in huge areas where the construction of ground towers is impossible," writes Flash in his telegram channel.
Russia is demonstrating another experiment to launch a controlled flying balloon into the stratosphere, where this direction will go next is anyone's guess, he notes.