"Rassvet," the Russian counterpart to Starlink, is behind schedule due to difficulties with the satellite network
After the Russian military stopped using Starlink satellite communications, Russia stepped up development of its own system, called “Rassvet.” However, the project is significantly behind schedule and has not yet become a full-fledged alternative to the American network.
According to researchers, the system’s developer—the company “Bureau 1440”—is not meeting the project’s implementation schedule due to its reliance on imported technologies.
The main problem cited is a shortage of modern components, specifically:
- radiation-resistant microchips;
- high-precision sensors;
- specialized power supply systems;
- other high-tech components that Russia is unable to produce in the necessary quantities and quality.
As a result, statements by Russian authorities about creating a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation that is supposedly on par with Starlink remain far from reality at this time.
The first three “Rassvet” test satellites were launched into orbit back in 2023.
Later, on March 23, 2026, Russia was able to launch another 16 satellites, although the mission’s launch had been postponed due to manufacturing issues.
The official plan called for the orbital constellation to number 156 satellites by the end of 2026, with an additional 292 satellites to be added throughout 2027.
Experts note that this number would be sufficient to ensure the system’s full military capability; however, Russia would need to launch approximately 140 more satellites within four months, which seems unlikely.
Despite the challenges, the Russian satellite network already provides limited communication capabilities.
According to Vladimir Stepanets, an expert in satellite technology, the “Rassvet” satellites provide stable coverage lasting about an hour at least twice a day, and individual communication sessions can occur approximately every hour and a half.
According to publicly available data from satellite tracking services, the satellites fly over Ukrainian territory four times a day, but stable communication with ground stations is only established 2–3 times a day.
It is during these time intervals that the occupiers can use the satellite channel to control maritime drones and strike UAVs.
Experts emphasize that the Russian system is significantly inferior to Starlink in terms of both scale and technical specifications.
Among the key differences:
- the Starlink network already consists of over 10,000 satellites;
- a Starlink antenna weighs between 1.1 and 3.2 kg, while the Russian terminal weighs up to 15 kg;
- the “Rassvet” antenna measures approximately 60×60 cm, which is significantly larger than the Starlink equipment.
As a result, using Russian terminals in unmanned systems is more challenging, as the additional weight reduces flight range or forces a reduction in the combat payload.
Analysts note that the development of the “Rassvet” system is largely based on components imported via third countries.
At the same time, Russia continues to seek ways to circumvent restrictions on the use of Starlink, in particular by attempting to recruit people to illegally activate satellite terminals.
Despite current difficulties, experts do not rule out that in a few years, the Kremlin will be able to establish its own satellite constellation, which will be used to provide military communications in Ukraine, Europe, and the Arctic region.
This is stated in a study by Ukrainian journalists.
It was previously reported that the Russian “Rassvet” satellite constellation, operated by Bureau 1440, already provides at least two “communication windows” over Ukrainian territory every day. Each of these windows lasts more than an hour, potentially allowing Russian troops to use satellite communications to control drones and other assets.
Previously, satellites from Planet Labs captured the aftermath of drone attacks on logistics centers belonging to the Russian marketplace Wildberries in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk.
