GoKawiilRussia's Rassvet satellite internet project falters as satellites miss target orbits
None of the 16 Rassvet satellites Russia launched in June reached their planned 870-km orbit, with several drifting as low as 300-400 km and two already re-entering the atmosphere, according to the Institute for the Study of War citing N2YO tracking data. The March batch of 16 satellites also had issues, with one lost and only 12 reaching proper altitude, undermining Bureau 1440's plan to build a Starlink competitor.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Lower orbits mean stronger atmospheric drag, forcing satellites to burn more fuel and shortening their operational lifespan, which threatens the network's viability before it even scales up. With only 32 satellites launched so far against a goal of 250 by 2027 and 900 by 2035, and ISW estimating 200-300 satellites are needed just for continuous coverage over Ukraine, Russia's push for orbital communications independence looks increasingly out of reach.
- None of the 16 Rassvet satellites launched in June reached their intended 870-km orbit, with two already re-entering the atmosphere.
- The earlier March launch also underperformed, with only 12 of 16 satellites reaching proper altitude and one lost entirely.
- Russia would need 200-300 operational satellites for full coverage over Ukraine, far more than its current fleet of roughly 32.
Starlink Standard Kit satellite internet dish — While Russia's Rassvet constellation struggles to reach orbit, SpaceX's Starlink is already delivering low-Earth-orbit broadband to customers. The Standard Kit includes the dish, router, cables and mount, so remote cabins and RV trips can get online without a wired connection.
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: techspot.com — Skye Jacobs, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “Russia's Starlink rival is already struggling as satellites fail to reach their planned orbits”
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