---
title: "GUR Reveals Structure of Russia's \"Rassvet\" Satellite System: Who Is Behind the \"Starlink Replacement\""
description: "Ukraine's Military Intelligence has revealed the participants in Russia's \"Rassvet\" satellite system project. Bureau 1440 from IKS Holding is named as the main contractor, Roscosmos handles launches, and VTB provides financing."
date: 2026-10-28T08:07:40.565Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/gur-reveals-structure-of-russia-rassvet-satellite-system
tags: [rassvet-satellite, roskosmos, iks-holding, bureau-1440, leo-constellation, starlink-alternative, ukraine-intelligence, military-communications, vtb-bank]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# GUR Reveals Structure of Russia's "Rassvet" Satellite System: Who Is Behind the "Starlink Replacement"

![Model of a Russian communications satellite in a glass display case against the backdrop of an Earth projection](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/gur-raskrylo-strukturu-sputnikovoy-sistemy-rassvet/gur-raskrylo-strukturu-sputnikovoy-sistemy-rassvet-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Ukraine's GUR has revealed the full composition of participants in the Russian "Rassvet" project: Bureau 1440 (IKS Holding), Roscosmos, the Russian Ministry of Defense, and VTB Bank
- The "Rassvet" system is positioned as military satellite communications with plans for integration into Iskander-M OTMS target designation
- There are already 32 serial satellites in orbit (two launches of 16 devices each in March and July 2026), with over 250 required for full coverage
- The project is personally overseen by Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov, former head of the Gonets system

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has published a detailed breakdown of the participants in Russia's "Rassvet" low-Earth orbit broadband data transmission satellite system project, which Kyiv positions as a functional replacement for Starlink. According to the GUR press service, the system includes a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, ground control infrastructure, gateway stations, and subscriber terminals for stationary and mobile objects. Cooperation in its creation brings together IT companies, microelectronics manufacturers, research centers, Roscosmos structures, and the Russian Ministry of Defense.

### Bureau 1440 and IKS Holding: The Core of Industrial Cooperation

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the key enterprise in the project's implementation is Bureau 1440 LLC, which is part of the IKS Holding IT conglomerate. The holding's enterprises, according to disclosed data, supply components, manufacture solar panels, subscriber equipment, printed circuit boards, electronic modules, and other system components. Thus, Russia's civilian IT sector, according to the GUR, provides a significant portion of the hardware base for the military satellite project.

### The Role of Roscosmos and the Military Department

Roscosmos and other enterprises of the Russian aerospace industry, according to intelligence, are responsible for the development and production of launch vehicles, upper stages, electric propulsion thrusters, as well as satellite adaptation, launch preparation, and orbital deployment. Within the corporation itself, the "Rassvet" project is directly overseen by its head, Dmitry Bakanov, who previously headed Gonets Satellite System JSC, including during the partnership with Britain's OneWeb and the creation of a joint venture to develop low-Earth orbit communication services on the Russian market. Ministry of Defense structures ensure the operation of the spaceport, interaction between project participants, and the subsequent integration of the system into Russia's military communications infrastructure. VTB Bank acted as one of the investors providing financial support for the development.

### Military Purpose and Integration Plans

The GUR emphasizes that "Rassvet" is primarily a military communication system for Russia, and the adversary plans to widely use it in the interests of the armed forces in the future. Plans have already been recorded to integrate the satellites into the space-based target designation system for missile weapons, as well as to equip Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system command and staff vehicles with subscriber terminals. According to intelligence data, the planned coverage primarily spans the territory of Ukraine and European Union countries.

### Launch Chronology and Current Status of the Constellation

Russia launched the constellation's first 16 serial satellites into orbit in March 2026. In late May, according to available data, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov stated that the devices were operating in test mode and no signs of military use were observed at that time. To ensure stable communication, by his own estimate, at least 200–250 satellites are required. The second serial launch took place on July 19, 2026, with another 16 devices put into orbit. Round-the-clock coverage promised by Moscow will require more than 250 satellites, meaning dozens of additional launches will be needed in the coming months.

### Context: Why "Rassvet" Is Called a Starlink Replacement

The project's name and functional positioning directly indicate Moscow's intention to create its own low-Earth orbit broadband communication infrastructure capable of competing with commercial systems, primarily American Starlink. However, unlike Starlink, "Rassvet" has been designed from the outset with an emphasis on military application and integration into the missile weapon control system, making it not just a telecommunications asset, but a strategic military target. The disclosure of the project's structure by Ukrainian intelligence allows Western partners and the Ukrainian command to more accurately assess the timeframe in which the Russian constellation will achieve operational readiness.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Замена Starlink: в ГУР раскрыли детали разработки российской системы "Рассвет"](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zamina-starlink-gur-rozkrili-detali-rozrobki-1793174572.html) - The sole source is the press service of Ukraine's GUR via RBC-Ukraine. All details (participants, launch dates, military purpose) are assessments by Ukrainian intelligence and are not confirmed by independent sources or the Russian side. Launch dates (March, July 19, 2026) coincide with data from open orbital databases mentioned in the text.

## FAQ

### What is the "Rassvet" system?

"Rassvet" is a Russian low-Earth orbit broadband data transmission satellite project, including a satellite constellation, ground control infrastructure, gateway stations, and subscriber terminals. According to Ukraine's GUR, the system has a predominantly military purpose.

### Which companies are involved in creating "Rassvet"?

According to the GUR, the main enterprise is Bureau 1440 LLC (part of IKS Holding), which manufactures solar panels, subscriber equipment, printed circuit boards, and electronic modules. Roscosmos is responsible for launch vehicles, upper stages, and electric propulsion thrusters. The Ministry of Defense ensures spaceport operations and integration into military infrastructure. Financing is partially provided by VTB Bank.

### How many satellites are already in orbit?

According to the publication, 32 serial satellites are in orbit: the first 16 were launched in March 2026, and another 16 on July 19, 2026. For stable round-the-clock communication, estimates indicate more than 250 devices are needed.

### What is the military purpose of "Rassvet"?

Ukraine's GUR points to plans to integrate the satellites into the space-based target designation system for missile weapons and equip Iskander-M command and staff vehicles with subscriber terminals. The planned coverage primarily covers Ukraine and EU countries.