# Russia Rassvet satellite constellation development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-rassvet-satellite-constellation-development
> Updated: 2026-08-10T13:17:09.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Russia is developing the Rassvet satellite constellation, a low-Earth orbit (LEO) network managed by Bureau 1440 to provide domestic high-speed broadband and communications autonomy. The project serves as a strategic alternative to global services like SpaceX’s Starlink.

In July 2026, Russia successfully launched a second batch of 16 satellites via a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Following this launch, Ukrainian military intelligence reported that the deployment is accelerating faster than previously expected. While the current 16-satellite system provides only intermittent coverage over Ukraine, Russia intends to expand the constellation to approximately 292 satellites by 2027 and roughly 924 satellites by 2035. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that the completed network could be utilized for military functions, such as drone command and control.

## Claims

- Russia is deploying the Rassvet system much faster than originally planned. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Russia currently has 16 satellites in orbit as part of the Rassvet system. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Russia aims to have 292 satellites in orbit by 2027. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Russia plans to expand the constellation to 924 satellites by 2035. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Bureau 1440 is developing the Rassvet broadband satellite network. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Russia has met its annual production targets for Zircon and Oniks missiles within the first seven months of the year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Russia plans to begin commercial operations for the system in 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Russia's Iskander-M missile stockpile is estimated at approximately 130 units. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Russia accelerates Rassvet satellite network deployment

Russia is rapidly deploying its Rassvet satellite network, aiming for nearly 300 satellites by 2027 to rival Starlink, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-accelerates-rassvet-satellite-internet-rollout

### 2026-07-20: Russia launches second batch of Rassvet satellites to build Starlink alternative

Russia launched 16 Rassvet satellites on 19 July 2026, advancing its plan for a domestic LEO constellation to rival Starlink, with goals of 250 satellites by 2027 and 900 by 2035.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-launches-second-batch-of-rassvet-satellites-to-build-starlink-alternative

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Cite as: Russia Rassvet satellite constellation development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-rassvet-satellite-constellation-development