Soyuz-2.1b launches 'Rassvet' satellites: Russia builds its own satellite internet network

The image captures the dramatic night launch of the Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, with bright engine flames illuminating the snowy terrain. The Roscosmos logo is visible on the rocket’s body. This mission marked the deployment of the first satellites in the 'Rassvet' constellation — Russia’s domestic global internet coverage project, positioned as a counterpart to SpaceX’s Starlink.