Russian "Rassvet" satellite system facing issues – DIU
Russia is trying to accelerate the deployment of the "Rassvet" low-Earth orbit satellite communications system, which it positions as its own version of Starlink. However, this has been accompanied by technical and manufacturing challenges.
According to Censor.NET, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense reports this.
In particular, there is a noticeable reliance on foreign components, as well as challenges with placing satellites into their intended orbits and developing compact subscriber terminals.
"The third launch of the spacecraft, scheduled for 2026, has, according to preliminary data, been canceled or postponed," the GUR notes.
How many "Rassvet" satellites has Russia launched so far?
To date, Russia has launched 30 satellites into orbit in two batches—on March 23 and July 19, 2026. Two of the satellites have already re-entered the atmosphere.
Of the 30 satellites, 26 have reached a stable position at an altitude of approximately 500–520 km. None of them has yet reached the planned altitude of 800 km. The remaining satellites are continuing to maneuver to reach their target orbit.
Each satellite weighs about 280 kg and measures 2.7 × 1.8 × 0.6 meters. One of the system’s key technologies is intersatellite laser communication, which allows data to be transmitted directly between satellites without constantly relying on ground-based infrastructure.
By the end of 2026, Russia planned to expand its constellation to 47–48 satellites. In 2027, it expects to launch another 240 satellites to provide coverage for 94% of the Russian Federation’s territory with data transmission speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
According to the announced plans, the constellation is expected to grow to 408 satellites by 2031 and to 924 by 2035. Soyuz-2.1b rockets are used for the launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
Ground-based infrastructure and subscriber terminals
The ground segment is centered around the main control center in Moscow. It is responsible for controlling the satellites, operating the laser links, and routing traffic.
A network of ground stations is also planned in Moscow, Murmansk, Anadyr, Rostov-on-Don, Norilsk, Zheleznogorsk, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
In September 2026, the Russian side announced the completion of testing on the "Ultra" subscriber terminal. According to the specified specifications, the data download speed can reach 650 Mbit/s, and the device is designed to operate even while the vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
By the end of the year, they plan to deliver about a thousand of these devices to customers.
In 2027–2028, Russia plans to develop five more terminal variants:
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"Earth";
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"Mini";
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"Prime";
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"Water";
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"Povitrya" is an aviation terminal scheduled to be unveiled in 2028.
Who manufactures satellites, and what factors influence the project?
The main contractor for the project is Bureau 1440 LLC, which is part of IKS Holding. At least 46 Russian and three Belarusian companies are involved in the production partnership. According to the data provided, 22 companies, including Bureau 1440, are not subject to sanctions.
A key manufacturer of critical components is the Kaliningrad-based JSC "OKB 'Fakel'." The company manufactures low-thrust engines and propulsion systems for satellites.
At the same time, Rassvet's technological infrastructure relies on imports of electronic components from China. Specifically, this includes components for antenna arrays, ground stations, and subscriber terminals.
Communication with OneWeb and Project Management
The project is overseen by Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos. Prior to his appointment, he led JSC "Gonets Satellite System," which collaborated with the British company OneWeb on the deployment of satellite internet infrastructure in Russia.
After the full-scale invasion began in 2022, OneWeb ceased its cooperation with the Russian side. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that during their previous collaboration, Russia may have gained access to certain technical developments and technologies, which it subsequently used in the creation of its own system.
It is noteworthy that the "Fakel" Design Bureau previously manufactured components for OneWeb satellites, including SPT-50M engines. Now, this company produces critical components for the "Rassvet" spacecraft.
