GoKawiilRussia's Rassvet satellite constellation stalls far below planned orbit
Russia's Bureau 1440 has launched 32 Rassvet satellites in two batches this year, but none have reached their intended 500-mile orbit. Tracking data shows most satellites topped out near 300 miles, several stopped maneuvering entirely, and at least three have already reentered or appear headed for reentry.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Rassvet is meant to be Russia's answer to Starlink, supporting both military and civilian connectivity amid the war in Ukraine, so persistent propulsion failures suggest the program is falling well behind its goal of roughly 300 satellites by next year. The setbacks highlight how difficult it is for Russia's space industry, strained by sanctions and war spending, to match the technical maturity of SpaceX's mega-constellation.
- Only 32 of a planned 300 Rassvet satellites are in orbit, and none reached their target altitude.
- Multiple satellites from both the March and July launches have stalled or begun reentering Earth's atmosphere.
- The troubles raise doubts about Russia's ability to build a credible Starlink competitor by its stated deadlines.
Starlink Standard Kit satellite internet dish — While rivals like Russia's Rassvet struggle to raise their satellites into working orbits, Starlink's constellation is already live and serving customers. The Standard Kit includes the dish, router, and cables to get connected in remote spots where cable and fiber never reach. It's the actual hardware behind the network everyone else is trying to copy.
See Starlink Standard Kit satellite internet dish on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Is Russia's rival to Starlink failing? Here's what we know.”
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