Key facts
- Russia's Rassvet satellite internet program, designed as a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, is facing significant launch and operational challenges.
- Two launches have placed 32 Rassvet satellites into orbit, but none have reached their intended 500-mile operational altitude.
- At least three of the initial 32 satellites are believed to have failed outright, with others showing signs of propulsion or maneuvering issues.
- The program aims to deploy approximately 300 satellites by the end of next year and 924 by 2035.
- Ukraine has reportedly targeted Russian facilities involved in satellite manufacturing and launches, potentially hindering Rassvet's progress.
Russia's ambitious Rassvet satellite internet program, intended to rival SpaceX's Starlink, is experiencing a significantly slower start than anticipated. Of the 32 Rassvet satellites launched across two missions earlier this year, none have successfully reached their designed operational orbit of 500 miles. The satellites were expected to use their own propulsion systems to ascend from lower orbits, but assessments indicate at least three have likely failed outright, with others showing signs of trouble and failing to maneuver as planned. The highest altitude achieved by any Rassvet satellite is just over 300 miles. This performance falls short of the program's goals, which include deploying approximately 300 satellites by the end of next year and 924 by 2035 to provide connectivity for military and civilian users. Experts note that Russia's satellite industry has historically faced underfunding and production issues, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reportedly targeted Russian facilities involved in space industry infrastructure, including factories producing the Soyuz rockets needed for Rassvet launches, potentially further delaying Russia's efforts to establish its own satellite broadband network.