Russia accelerates Rassvet satellite constellation to rival Starlink

Rassvet satellite constellation Bureau 1440 military satellite internet drone warfare space communications

Russia is accelerating the development of Rassvet, a satellite internet constellation designed to provide military communications and real-time drone guidance, serving as a domestic alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. Developed by Bureau 1440, the project saw its first 16 satellites launched in March 2026. Ukrainian intelligence officials report that the deployment is progressing faster than anticipated, with plans to reach approximately 292 satellites by 2027 and a total of 924 by 2035.

The Rassvet system aims to reduce Russian reliance on Western infrastructure and mitigate the impact of Starlink restrictions implemented following requests from Kyiv. By providing continuous coverage, the constellation could allow Russian forces to coordinate drone strikes and share targeting data more effectively across the battlefield.

In response, Ukraine has taken steps to disrupt the program. Reports indicate that a Ukrainian missile strike using Flamingo FP-5 missiles targeted the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, aiming to damage the production of Soyuz-2 rockets used to launch the Rassvet satellites. Additionally, Russia has been expanding its terrestrial drone capabilities, including the construction of new launch bases along the borders of Belarus and Ukraine to increase strike ranges.

Entities

Bureau 1440 · Rassvet · Russia · Starlink · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Starlink access was restricted for Russian forces following requests from Ukrainian officials. www.analisidifesa.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia is accelerating the deployment of the Rassvet satellite constellation. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.analisidifesa.it
[● 2 SOURCES] A Ukrainian missile strike targeted the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara to disrupt Rassvet production. xeu.mx
[○ 1 SOURCE] The first 16 satellites of the Rassvet constellation were launched in March 2026. www.analisidifesa.it
[● 2 SOURCES] The Rassvet system aims to provide real-time drone guidance and military communications. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · xeu.mx
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Rassvet satellite project is being developed by the Russian company Bureau 1440. www.analisidifesa.it
[● 2 SOURCES] The Rassvet constellation is intended to expand to 924 satellites by 2035. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.analisidifesa.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia plans to have approximately 292 satellites in orbit by 2027. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.analisidifesa.it