--- title: "Ahead of Schedule: Russia Accelerates Deployment of the 'Rassvet' Satellite Constellation" description: "πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia is accelerating the launch of the 'Rassvet' satellite constellation, surpassing its own plans. According to HUR data, 292 units will be in orbit by 2027. The system currently operates fragmentarily, but the threat of a full-fledged Starlink analog is real. Experts are discussing countermeasures. πŸ›°οΈπŸ“‘ #Rassvet #Starlink #Space #War" date: 2026-08-10T10:08:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/rassvet-satellites-russia-accelerates-deployment-2026-en tags: [russia, space-technology, satellites, rassvet, starlink, defense, gur-mo] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ahead of Schedule: Russia Accelerates Deployment of the 'Rassvet' Satellite Constellation ![Rassvet satellite constellation unit with deployed solar panels on a test bench at Bureau 1440 production facility](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/10/rassvet-satellites-russia-accelerates-deployment-2026/rassvet-satellites-russia-accelerates-deployment-2026-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Russia is ahead of schedule in deploying the 'Rassvet' satellite constellation. - 292 satellites are planned to be launched into orbit by 2027. - The system currently operates fragmentarily, providing communication only during satellite overflights. - Experts are discussing methods to counter the Starlink analog. - The 'Rassvet' orbit is higher than Starlink's, which may affect communication characteristics. Amid a protracted conflict and growing reliance on space technologies, Moscow is demonstrating unexpected momentum in implementing one of the decade's most ambitious projects. According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russia is accelerating the deployment of the 'Rassvet' satellite constellation β€” its own analog of the Starlink system β€” surpassing its own planned indicators. ### Accelerated Schedule: From 16 to 924 Units Deputy Head of the HUR of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Vadym Skibitsky, confirmed in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that the implementation of the system is proceeding faster than Russian plans anticipated. A key milestone was the event in March 2026, when the first 16 satellites of the constellation were deployed into low Earth orbit. This launch marked the start of a large-scale program which, according to current estimates, should lead to the formation of a full constellation of 292 satellites by 2027. The long-term plan envisages launching up to 924 units into orbit by 2035, which will allow for the creation of a global communications network. ### Technical Limitations and Current Status Despite ambitious plans, as of August 2026, the functionality of 'Rassvet' remains limited. The system operates only fragmentarily: communication is possible only at moments when a specific satellite passes over a certain territory. This significantly differs from the continuous coverage provided by the Starlink system. However, experts warn that upon reaching a critical mass of satellites (292 units), the system will operate on a principle similar to its American counterpart, providing continuous internet and command communication for military and civilian objects. ### Contradictory Data There are discrepancies in expert assessments and official statements regarding the timelines and characteristics of the system. On one hand, representatives of the HUR report that the schedule is being exceeded and full deployment is ready by 2027. On the other hand, Adaptis CEO Nikolay Kalinichenko offers more conservative forecasts, estimating the start of full commercial operation of the system around 2027. Furthermore, Kalinichenko notes an important technical detail: the declared orbit of the 'Rassvet' constellation passes higher than the main working altitudes at which the Starlink network functions. This could affect signal latency and connection quality, as well as the complexity of countering the system using electronic warfare (EW) means. ### Strategic Consequences and Discussions on Countermeasures The successful completion of the 'Rassvet' deployment will be a serious challenge for Ukraine and its allies, who actively use electronic warfare (EW) means to neutralize Russian communications. Currently, active discussions are underway in intelligence and military circles regarding how to counter this system. If Russia can ensure independent satellite communications, it will neutralize some of the successes achieved in blocking Russian control channels for drones and artillery. It was previously reported that Russia was likely preparing to launch 'Rassvet' satellites from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome between July 11 and 16, confirming the intensity of preparations for the next stages of deployment. ## πŸ” Fact-Check Verification - [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) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π°Π΅Ρ‚ Π΄Π°Π½Π½Ρ‹Π΅ ΠΎ Π³Ρ€Π°Ρ„ΠΈΠΊΠ΅ запуска ΠΈ Ρ†ΠΈΡ‚ΠΈΡ€ΡƒΠ΅Ρ‚ Π’Π°Π΄ΠΈΠΌΠ° Π‘ΠΊΠΈΠ±ΠΈΡ†ΠΊΠΎΠ³ΠΎ. - [HUR tells about the Russian analog of the Starlink system](https://24tv.ua/ru/rossijskij-sputnik-rassvet-chto-izvestno-ob-analoge-starlink_n3120479) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π°Π΅Ρ‚ Π΄Π°Π½Π½Ρ‹Π΅ ΠΎ Π³Ρ€Π°Ρ„ΠΈΠΊΠ΅ запуска ΠΈ Ρ†ΠΈΡ‚ΠΈΡ€ΡƒΠ΅Ρ‚ Π’Π°Π΄ΠΈΠΌΠ° Π‘ΠΊΠΈΠ±ΠΈΡ†ΠΊΠΎΠ³ΠΎ. - [The threat of 2029: how realistic is it for Russia to create a Starlink analog](https://focus.ua/opinions/763343-mif-o-rossiyskom-starlink-chto-takoe-sistema-rassvet-i-kogda-ona-mozhet-zarabotat) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π΅Π½ΠΎ ΠΏΠΎ источнику focus.ua - [Russia prepares its own Starlink for war: can Ukraine stop 'Rassvet' β€” Defense Express](https://tsn.ua/ru/ukrayina/rossiya-gotovit-sobstvennyy-starlink-dlya-voyny-smozhet-li-ukraina-ostanovit-rassvet-defense-express-3142736.html) - ΠŸΠΎΠ΄Ρ‚Π²Π΅Ρ€ΠΆΠ΄Π°Π΅Ρ‚ контСкст Π²ΠΎΠ΅Π½Π½Ρ‹Ρ… Ρ†Π΅Π»Π΅ΠΉ ΠΈ обсуТдСния ΠΌΠ΅Ρ‚ΠΎΠ΄ΠΎΠ² противодСйствия. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: What is the 'Rassvet' satellite constellation? **A:** 'Rassvet' is a Russian project to create a satellite constellation similar to the American Starlink system, intended to provide communication and internet. ### Q: How many satellites are planned to be launched into orbit? **A:** 292 satellites are planned to be launched by 2027, and up to 924 units by 2035. ### Q: Is 'Rassvet' fully operational now? **A:** At the moment, the system operates fragmentarily, providing communication only when satellites pass over a specific territory. ### Q: What is the difference between the 'Rassvet' orbit and Starlink? **A:** According to expert assessments, the orbit of the 'Rassvet' constellation passes higher than the main working altitudes of the Starlink network.