Russia Expands Orbital Constellation for Its Starlink Alternative
Technology
Russia continues to develop its own low-Earth orbit satellite communications network. Aerospace company Bureau 1440 has successfully launched another batch of satellites as part of the Rassvet project, which is designed to provide broadband internet services and serve as Russia's alternative to Starlink.
According to the company, the satellites successfully established contact with the mission control center after separating from the launch vehicle. Once testing is completed and onboard systems are commissioned, the spacecraft will be transferred to their operational orbit to begin providing communications services. The number of satellites launched has not been disclosed.
The Rassvet project aims to build a low-Earth orbit constellation capable of delivering broadband internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps with latency of up to 70 milliseconds. The first batch of 16 satellites was launched in March, while commercial service is expected to begin in 2027. Initial customer trials are planned for 2026.
To achieve continuous global coverage, the network will require more than 250 satellites in orbit. Developers plan to expand the constellation to 292 operational spacecraft by 2030, enabling around-the-clock satellite communication services.
The Rassvet project aims to build a low-Earth orbit constellation capable of delivering broadband internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps with latency of up to 70 milliseconds. The first batch of 16 satellites was launched in March, while commercial service is expected to begin in 2027. Initial customer trials are planned for 2026.
To achieve continuous global coverage, the network will require more than 250 satellites in orbit. Developers plan to expand the constellation to 292 operational spacecraft by 2030, enabling around-the-clock satellite communication services.
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