Sergei Ivanov, federal Defense Minister, made an address to the opening gala to highlight the Star's importance, and welcome it as "genuine television for the people".
"Russia has launched its first-ever patriotic government TV channel. It will be genuine television for the people, to proceed from the idea of generations and traditions interlinked, and to be guided by objective attitudes and creative spirit," said the minister.
The signal goes through communication satellite Yamal 200.
The Star opened test casts at frequency 57, February 20, for Moscow and its environs. Based on the Defense Ministry Central Television and Radio Studio, it initially limited its programs to reruns of patriotically-minded feature and documentary movies.
"We want veterans and young people to watch the Star alike. What we want most is for the channel to gather male audiences," the Defense Minister said earlier.
Private investors are welcome to the Star, the Defense Ministry retaining its control block, says Mr. Ivanov, who chairs the channel public council.
