Russia faces technical setbacks with Rassvet satellite project

Russia is experiencing technical difficulties with its Rassvet satellite project, an initiative designed to create a domestic alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. The project, managed by Bureau 1440 as part of the broader Sfera government program, aims to provide high-speed satellite internet to remote regions in the Arctic and Siberia.

The latest setback involved the Rassvet-3-17 satellite, which burned up in the atmosphere on October 30, approximately three months after its launch via a Soyuz-2 rocket. The satellite failed to activate its propulsion system to reach its intended orbital altitude, causing atmospheric drag to pull it back to Earth. This marks the second loss for the series, following the loss of the Rassvet-3-4 satellite in July.

While the project has received significant funding, including over 100 billion rubles, technical challenges persist. Currently, many launched satellites have reached altitudes of approximately 500 kilometers, whereas the planned operational altitude is 800 kilometers. The Russian government views the project as a strategic priority to reduce dependence on foreign communication technologies amid international sanctions.