The aggressor state russia is seeking to accelerate the deployment of its low-Earth-orbit satellite communications system, “Rassvet”, which it describes as an alternative to Starlink.

However, those implementing the project are currently unable to scale the system to the levels desired by the kremlin due to a number of challenges. These include dependence on foreign components, difficulties placing satellites into their intended orbits, and problems developing compact communications terminals.

The russians were forced to cancel or postpone the third batch launch of “Rassvet” satellites, which had been scheduled for 2026.

How many satellites does russia currently have in orbit?

The aggressor state has so far placed 30 satellites into orbit. Launches took place on March 23 and July 19, 2026, with batches of 16 satellites each. Two satellites have already deorbited — one from each batch.

Of the 30 spacecraft initially placed into intermediate orbits, 26 managed to reach stable orbital positions at an altitude of approximately 500–520 kilometers. At the same time, none of them has reached the planned altitude of 800 kilometers.

One satellite from the second batch is currently at an altitude of 299 kilometers and is gradually gaining altitude. Three other satellites — one from the second batch and two from the first — are at altitudes ranging from 246 to 480 kilometers and continue performing maneuvers to reach their target orbit.

The “Rassvet” satellites belong to the category of small spacecraft. Each weighs approximately 280 kilograms and measures 2.7 × 1.8 × 0.6 meters. Their design is based on a standardized platform intended for operation in low Earth orbit.

One of the system’s key technological features is the use of inter-satellite laser communication links. These allow spacecraft to transmit data directly through space without having to constantly rely on ground infrastructure. This technology makes it possible to provide communications in regions with underdeveloped terrestrial networks, particularly over oceans and in polar latitudes.

The russian satellites are powered by two-sided solar panels and an intelligent power distribution system. It is designed to maintain stable operation of high-performance computing systems and laser transmitters, even during peak loads.

The declared guaranteed service life of “Rassvet” satellites is five years.

By the end of 2026, russia planned to expand its orbital constellation to 47–48 satellites, which was expected to provide up to 60 minutes of communications availability per day. However, according to preliminary information, the third launch scheduled for this year has been canceled or postponed.

In 2027, the russians intend to place another 240 spacecraft into orbit. According to the aggressor state's plans, this number should provide satellite communications coverage across 94% of the territory of the russian federation, with data transmission speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

No earlier than 2031, the “Rassvet” constellation is expected to reach 408 satellites, which should provide the aggressor state russia with global coverage. By 2035, the number of spacecraft in orbit is planned to increase to 924.

The satellites are launched using Soyuz-2.1b carrier rockets from the plesetsk cosmodrome.

Ground infrastructure

The ground segment of the “Rassvet” project comprises a network of specialized facilities, the key element of which is the main control center in moscow. It is responsible for monitoring satellite flights, coordinating laser communication links, and routing traffic between all spacecraft in the orbital constellation.

To connect the system to the global internet, ground stations are planned in moscow, murmansk, anadyr, rostov-on-don, norilsk, zheleznogorsk, and yuzhno-sakhalinsk. These stations are directly integrated into the fiber-optic network hubs in moscow, novosibirsk, and khabarovsk.

User terminals

The “Rassvet” subscriber equipment is based on active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology.

In September 2026, the russians completed testing of the “Ultra” terminal. According to the enemy's estimates, it has high throughput, with download speeds potentially reaching 650 Mbps. It is also claimed to be capable of operating in challenging weather conditions and while its carrier is moving at speeds of up to 250 km/h.

By the end of 2026, approximately 1,000 such terminals are expected to be delivered to customers.

In 2027, the russians intend to develop four additional versions of subscriber equipment: “Zemlya”, “Mini”, “Prime”, and “Voda”. They are planned to be adapted for use in maritime and railway transport, among other applications. The main differences between the models are expected to be their throughput and weight.

In 2028, the russians also plan to introduce the “Vozdukh” terminal, designed for installation on aircraft.

Three main types of terminals are intended for the needs of the armed forces of the aggressor state russia:

• “Mini” — for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground robotic systems, and unmanned surface vessels.
• “Prime” — for providing communications at battalion or artillery battalion level.
• “Ultra” — for establishing communications at regimental level and above. It is also planned to be integrated into the russian armed forces' aviation and naval components.

Manufacturers and critical components

The main contractor responsible for developing the “Rassvet” system is Bureau 1440 LLC (OGRN 1207700466588, INN 7707446530). The company's registered address is 3 Stolyarny Lane, Building 14, Premises 1N, moscow. The company is part of the X Holding group.

At least 46 russian and three belarusian companies are involved in the industrial consortium responsible for manufacturing and launching the satellites. Of these, 22 companies are not under sanctions, including Bureau 1440.

The system's most critical components are low-thrust engines and satellite propulsion units. They are manufactured by the kaliningrad-based Fakel Design Bureau JSC.

The technological foundation of “Rassvet” directly depends on imports of electronic components from china. These include phased array antennas, ground gateway station equipment, and subscriber terminals.

Key figures behind the “Rassvet” project

The official overseeing “Rassvet”, a satellite communications project of critical importance to the armed forces of the aggressor state russia, is dmitry bakаnov, the current head of the roscosmos state corporation.

Before being appointed to russia's top space industry position, Bakanov headed Gonets Satellite System JSC. At that time, the company was actively cooperating with the British company OneWeb. The cooperation involved plans to deploy OneWeb infrastructure in russia and establish a joint venture to provide satellite internet services across the aggressor state's territory.

Following the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the British company completely severed its ties with the russians. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that during its cooperation with OneWeb, the russians may have gained access to some of the company's technical developments and technological expertise, including through industrial espionage, with the intention of using them to develop their own satellite system.

It is worth noting that the aforementioned russian design bureau Fakel was involved in manufacturing components for OneWeb satellites, including SPT-50M propulsion units. It is now manufacturing critical components for spacecraft operating as part of the “Rassvet” system.