### Belarus’ “Kulisa” vs. Starlink: A Narrative of Propaganda and Innovation
In recent times, Belarusian state media has been rife with assertions about a domestic satellite internet solution dubbed “Kulisa,” promoted as the country’s response to SpaceX’s Starlink. The announcement, paired with visuals of substantial equipment and satellite dishes, has garnered attention not merely for its technological prospects but also for its utility as a propaganda instrument. But what is Kulisa precisely, and how does it stack up against the globally established Starlink network?
—
### **The Emergence of Kulisa**
Belarus, a landlocked Eastern European state with strong ties to Russia, does not possess an autonomous space program capable of launching rockets or deploying satellites. Its space agency, founded in 2008, primarily engages in partnerships with Russia and China on space ventures. In spite of these constraints, Belarusian officials have introduced Kulisa as a portable satellite internet system, asserting it is currently operational within military circles.
State-controlled media platforms, such as *TASS* and *Pravda*, have celebrated the technology with eye-catching headlines like, “How’s that for you, SpaceX?” Nevertheless, the system’s actual capabilities and framework indicate a significant departure from the sophisticated, low-latency broadband that Starlink provides. Rather, Kulisa seems to be based on older geostationary satellite technology that has been available for commercial use since the 1990s.
—
### **What Kulisa Truly Represents**
Visuals of the Kulisa arrangement showcase a fixed satellite dish and bulky hardware, akin to gear used for conventional satellite television services like DirecTV. In contrast to Starlink, which functions through a network of over 7,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), Kulisa likely relies on geostationary satellites stationed 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above the planet. This dated technology is infamous for its high latency and slower data rates, rendering it less effective for mobile military usage.
Geostationary satellite internet has faced longstanding criticism for its shortcomings, especially in cases that necessitate instantaneous communication, such as military operations. On the flip side, Starlink’s LEO satellites are placed significantly closer to Earth, facilitating quicker data exchange and minimized latency. This technological superiority has rendered Starlink an essential asset for the Ukrainian military, which has heavily relied on the service since Russia’s incursion in February 2022.
—
### **The Propaganda Function**
For Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has maintained power since 1994, the launch of Kulisa serves a twofold goal. At home, it enhances national pride and conveys an image of technological independence. On the international stage, it resonates with Russia’s narrative of challenging Western technological supremacy.
Yet, the propaganda significance of Kulisa might overshadow its practical applications. While state media presents it as a counterpart to Starlink, the foundational technology tells a different story. Kulisa’s dependency on antiquated geostationary satellite systems positions it significantly behind the state-of-the-art capabilities of SpaceX’s network.
—
### **Starlink’s Tactical Significance**
Starlink has emerged as a central element in the geopolitical and technological arena, particularly in Eastern Europe. Its capacity to deliver high-speed, dependable internet in remote and conflict-stricken regions has made it crucial for both Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. This has not escaped the attention of Russia, which has classified Starlink satellites as “legitimate” military targets.
Belarus’s effort to duplicate Starlink highlights the growing acknowledgment of satellite internet as a tactical asset. However, the technological divide between Kulisa and Starlink underscores the obstacles faced by nations with restricted space capabilities.
—
### **In Summary**
The introduction of Kulisa is more about political symbolism than genuine technological advancement. While it may act as a boost to the morale of Belarusian citizens and a subject for state media commentary, its functional capabilities are likely constrained. In contrast, Starlink continues to establish the benchmark for satellite internet, illustrating the transformative potential of cutting-edge space technology.
As global reliance on satellite communications escalates, the comparison between Kulisa and Starlink serves as a poignant reminder of the technological disparities among nations. For the time being, Kulisa stands as a testament to aspiration rather than a formidable contender to SpaceX’s revolutionary system.
