Why is Moscow coordinating satellite plans with SpaceX's Elon Musk?

Putin says Moscow is coordinating satellite work with Musk and other American partners, despite political tensions between the two countries. He spoke in Moscow, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit.

Putin put Musk's fleet at more than 5,000 spacecraft and called him a real genius. He said Russia's own network, Rassvet, the Starlink equivalent, is only taking its first steps.

Putin's reason is orbital discipline. We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk, because in orbit it is extremely important not to get in each other's way. The remarks do not say what the coordination involves beyond that.