At least three of the first 32 Rassvet satellites have likely failed outright, and more may be malfunctioning. Russia’s push to build a Starlink-like network is off to a slow start, mirroring struggles on the ground in eastern Ukraine.
The program, managed by Bureau 1440, launched two batches of 32 satellites this year—one in March and another in July—aiming for a final constellation of roughly 300 spacecraft by late 2025. None of these satellites have reached their planned 500-mile (800-kilometer) operational orbit. Instead, they were deployed much closer to Earth and were expected to use plasma engines to climb to altitude over several months.
The delays raise questions about Rassvet’s viability as a military and civilian communications network. Bureau 1440 still plans to expand the constellation to 924 satellites by 2035, but the early setbacks could push those timelines further back.
