---
title: "GUR of Ukraine: Russia is ahead of schedule in deploying the 'Rassvet' satellite system — a Starlink analogue"
description: "🛰️ GUR of Ukraine: Russia is ahead of schedule in deploying the 'Rassvet' satellite system — a Starlink analogue. 🔹 In March 2026, the first series of 16 'Rassvet-3' spacecraft was launched. 🔹 By 2027, the constellation will reach 292 satellites. 🔹 Goal: Replace Starlink and provide communication for special groups and drones. 🔹 The system currently operates in discrete mode with communication windows of up to 1 hour. 🇺🇦 Intelligence warns: Moscow is creating an uncontrolled communication network, which requires international countermeasures."
date: 2026-08-11T13:51:35.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/gur-ukraine-russia-ahead-schedule-rassvet-satellite-system-starlink-analogue
tags: [russia-ukraine-conflict, satellite-technology, rassvet-system, gur-ukraine, space-race, buro-1440]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# GUR of Ukraine: Russia is ahead of schedule in deploying the 'Rassvet' satellite system — a Starlink analogue

![Russian satellites of the 'Rassvet' system in orbit with a ground station, illustrating the accelerated deployment of a Starlink analogue](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/11/gur-ukrainy-rossiya-uskoryaet-rassvet-analog-starlink/gur-ukrainy-rossiya-uskoryaet-rassvet-analog-starlink-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The GUR of Ukraine confirmed the acceleration of the deployment of the Russian satellite system 'Rassvet'.
- In March 2026, the first serial batch of 16 'Rassvet-3' satellites was launched.
- The plan provides for the launch of 292 spacecraft by 2027 and 924 by 2035.
- The system is viewed as a Starlink analogue with both military and civilian purposes.

### Acceleration of the 'Rassvet' program and GUR statement

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR) has recorded a significant acceleration in the deployment of the Russian low-orbit satellite communication system 'Rassvet'. According to the agency, Moscow has exceeded previously announced rates of building the orbital constellation, which is positioned as a functional analogue of the international Starlink network. This was reported in August 2026 by Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of the GUR and Major General. The system is being developed to ensure high-speed broadband data transmission and real-time control.

### Technical parameters and deployment stages

The development and formation of the constellation are being carried out by the Russian aerospace company LLC 'Bureau 1440', which is part of the 'IXS Holding' structure. According to intelligence data, in March 2026, the first serial batch of 16 spacecraft of the 'Rassvet-3' mission was successfully launched into near-Earth orbit. The approved development plan for the system provides for aggressive expansion: by 2027, the size of the orbital group is to be brought to 292 satellites to launch commercial operations, and by 2035, a full-fledged global constellation of 924 spacecraft is to be formed.

### Limitations of current functionality

Despite active launches, at present the spacecraft operate in a limited mode. Communication sessions are carried out discretely, directly during the passage of satellites over the target territory. According to assessments by technical specialists, the existing chain of spacecraft provides intermediate coverage windows lasting up to one hour with intervals between flyovers. The system is designed to operate in low orbits (about 500–800 km) using Ku- and Ka-band frequencies, as well as 5G NTN communication protocols.

### Military purpose and international reaction

Although the civilian sector positions the project as a means of providing communication to remote regions, defense departments view the platform as a tool for organizing secure control channels and coordinating unmanned systems. According to Vadym Skibitsky, relevant structures and international partners are already holding consultations to develop technical and legal measures to counter the formation of uncontrolled low-orbit communication networks. Experts remind that according to the regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the allocation of radio frequency spectrum is subject to mandatory international coordination.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Russia creates a Starlink analogue: GUR warned about the deployment of hundreds of 'Rassvet' satellites](https://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/world-life/_rossiya-sozdaet-analog-starlink-gur-predupredilo-o-razvertyvanii-soten-sputnikov-rassvet/1256317) - Подтверждает данные о планах развертывания и роли «Бюро 1440».
- [Russia is ahead of its own plans for launching 'Rassvet' satellites, which are supposed to replace Starlink](https://24tv.ua/tech/ru/rossijskaja-sistema-rassvet-po-razvertyvaniju-analoga-starlink-operezhaet-grafik-soglasno-dannym-gur_n3120587) - Подтверждает информацию об ускорении графика и техническом аналоге Starlink.
- [RF accelerates the creation of a Starlink analogue: GUR told about Rassvet satellites](https://korrespondent.net/world/russia/4901560-rf-uskoriaet-sozdanye-analoha-Starlink-hur-rasskazalo-o-sputnykakh-rassvet) - Дублирует данные о заявлении Вадима Скибицкого и этапах развития системы.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What is the 'Rassvet' system?
**A:** 'Rassvet' is a Russian low-orbit satellite communication system developed by 'Bureau 1440' as a Starlink analogue.

### Q: How many satellites have already been launched?
**A:** According to the GUR, in March 2026, the first serial batch of 16 spacecraft of the 'Rassvet-3' mission was launched into orbit.

### Q: What are the plans for the development of the system?
**A:** By 2027, it is planned to bring the constellation to 292 satellites, and by 2035 — to form a global network of 924 spacecraft.