---
title: "Project 'Bureau 1440': Russia Deploys First Phase of Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Internet"
description: "Russia has deployed the first phase of the 'Bureau 1440' satellite internet: 16 'Rassvet' units are already in orbit. Experts assess the prospects of the system and its military potential. 🛰️📡"
date: 2026-05-31T15:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/russia-deploys-first-phase-of-bureau-1440-satellite-internet-analogue-of-starlink
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Project 'Bureau 1440': Russia Deploys First Phase of Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Internet

![Model of Russian satellite project 'Bureau 1440' for low-orbit internet with solar panels and gold thermal insulation](https://xab.info/media/2026/05/31/rossiya-razvernula-sputnikovuyu-sistemu-byuro-1440-analog-starlink/rossiya-razvernula-sputnikovuyu-sistemu-byuro-1440-analog-starlink-1.webp)

Russia is actively developing its own satellite internet system in low Earth orbit, known as 'Bureau 1440'. This is a large-scale project intended to become a national analogue of the Starlink system. According to the latest data, the first phase of deployment has already been completed: 16 satellites of the 'Rassvet' series are currently in orbit and operating in test mode.

Information regarding the current status of the project was confirmed by Sergey 'Flash' Beskrestnov, an expert in electronic warfare. According to him, the Russian leadership recognizes the strategic importance of high-speed data transmission via low-orbit satellites, so the development of infrastructure is merely a matter of time.

### Scale of Ambitions and Current Realities

Although 16 units are already functioning, their number is clearly insufficient to ensure stable and continuous communication. Experts estimate the necessary minimum at 200–250 satellites. Moscow's plans are far more ambitious: in the long term, the launch of 300, and subsequently another 700 units, is planned. However, as Beskrestnov notes, real deadlines and figures are constantly adjusted depending on technical progress and logistical capabilities.

### Technical Limitations and Military Potential

At the current stage, the system has serious limitations. One 'Rassvet' satellite flies over the territory of Ukraine approximately once a day, providing the possibility of high-speed data transmission for only 6–10 minutes. This makes the system unsuitable for constant communication, but theoretically leaves the possibility for targeted use.

Hypothetically, an adversary could attempt to use these windows to transmit data, for example, by installing terminals on 'Shahed'-type drones and synchronizing the attack with the satellite's pass. However, in practice, organizing such actions presents a colossal complexity. Until a dense constellation is formed in orbit, full-scale military application of 'Rassvet' is impossible.

The expert emphasizes that at the moment there are no signs or facts of active military use of the system. Consequently, countermeasures against the project are not being applied. Any change in status and the beginning of combat use will be immediately recorded by changes in traffic, intelligence data, or the study of trophies.

### The Space Race and Geopolitical Context

Russia's attempts to create a Starlink analogue began long ago, but due to technical difficulties and the lack of developed infrastructure, they have not led to the creation of an effective alternative. This is why smuggled Starlink terminals, delivered through third countries, continue to be actively used in conflict zones.

The race for space internet goes beyond the confrontation between two countries. In January 2026, the European Union began launching its own IRIS2 network worth €10.6 billion. This project aims to create an independent alternative to Starlink and reduce Europe's dependence on American technologies. Thus, low Earth orbit is becoming an arena for global competition, where Russia, the US, and the EU strive to gain technological and strategic advantages.