Skibitsky and Gorbulin Discussed Countering Russia's "Rassvet" Satellite System
Major General Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, and Volodymyr Gorbulin, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, discussed the development of space technologies and options for countering Russia’s “Rassvet” satellite communications system.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the role of missile, drone, and space technologies in warfare, as well as the prospects for developing Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the space sector.
They paid particular attention to the Russian “Rassvet” satellite constellation, which Russia is deploying as an analogue to Starlink, and possible ways to counter this system.
Skibitsky emphasized that Ukraine must develop its own space reconnaissance, communications, and early warning systems for missile launches.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, Russia plans to expand the “Rassvet” constellation to 292 satellites by 2027 and to 924 satellites by 2035.
Source: Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
After the Russian military ceased 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.
The Russian “Rassvet” satellite constellation, operated by Bureau 1440, already provides at least two “communication windows” over Ukrainian territory every 24 hours. Each of these lasts more than an hour, potentially allowing Russian troops to use satellite communications to control drones and other assets.
