Key facts
- Russia is deploying a satellite internet system named Rassvet.
- Rassvet is an analogue to SpaceX's Starlink.
- Ukraine's intelligence reports the accelerated deployment of Rassvet.
- Russia plans to have nearly 300 satellites in orbit by 2027.
- The deployment suggests Russia's intent to expand space-based communication capabilities.
Ukraine's intelligence services have reported that Russia is accelerating the deployment of its satellite internet system, named Rassvet. This system is considered an analogue to SpaceX's Starlink. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia plans to have nearly 300 satellites in orbit for the Rassvet system by the year 2027. The accelerated pace of deployment indicates Russia's commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in space-based communication infrastructure. This development could have implications for global satellite internet access and potentially serve as a countermeasure to existing Western satellite networks. The specific details regarding the technology and the exact timeline beyond the 2027 projection remain undisclosed by Russian authorities, but the intelligence suggests a significant push in this area.