Russia’s ‘Rassvet’ Satellite Network Aims to Redefine National Connectivity—With Fewer Satellites and Full Domestic Control

Next-gen Russian LEO network ‘Rassvet’ targets full national coverage by 2030—built with fewer satellites, zero foreign components, and big ambitions for inflight and remote-area connectivity.

As LEO broadband ecosystems mature globally, Russia is preparing to launch its own next-gen system—one that not only rivals Starlink, but rethinks its architecture entirely. The upcoming “Rassvet” satellite constellation—named after the Russian word for “sunrise”—is being billed not as a copycat project, but a strategic leap toward digital sovereignty, built on fully domestic infrastructure and fewer assets in orbit.

A Leaner, Longer-View Constellation

One of the most striking features of Rassvet is its architectural efficiency. While SpaceX’s Starlink currently relies on more than 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (typically around 450–480 km), Russia’s solution plans to operate with just 383 spacecraft—92 of which are reserves. How? Rassvet will fly higher, at around 800 km. This expanded altitude allows each satellite to remain in contact with ground terminals longer, reducing the total number needed for coverage.

This design translates into real cost and time advantages. Fewer satellites mean fewer launches, faster deployment, and simpler maintenance. According to current projections, Rassvet could offer limited public access by 2027, with full-scale national availability by 2030.

Public-Private Strategy and National Prioritization

The Rassvet initiative is a high-profile collaboration between the Russian government and private aerospace company Bureau 1440. It’s also now officially integrated into the country’s revised national space strategy. “The program has been fully approved at the highest levels,” said Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov, citing a strategic planning session led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The government’s interest is driven by clear infrastructure gaps. Much of Russia’s territory remains underserved by terrestrial broadband due to its vast geography and difficult terrain. Satellite connectivity isn’t just a convenience here—it’s a necessity. The state has already committed 3.8 billion rubles (approximately $42 million) from its reserve fund to help orbit the first 16 satellites by year’s end.

Building for Sanctions Resilience

A key differentiator of the Rassvet program is its emphasis on domestic sourcing. Unlike global satellite providers that depend on international supply chains, Rassvet is being built entirely with Russian components—from satellites to user terminals. This “full-stack localization” strategy reflects the geopolitical realities of the post-sanctions era. In the words of one official: “You cannot claim sovereignty if your digital backbone depends on foreign suppliers.”

Broader Benefits: From Rural Schools to Inflight Wi-Fi

Though designed with Russia’s remote regions in mind, Rassvet is intended to benefit a broad spectrum of users. Engineers are already developing compact mobile terminals for use in commercial aircraft and trains. National carriers like Aeroflot and Russian Railways have reportedly expressed interest, signaling potential for onboard broadband services—an area where even many Western systems remain inconsistent.

Ultimately, the Rassvet system could prove transformative not just for government users and critical infrastructure, but for ordinary people. It opens the door to educational access in remote villages, digital services in isolated communities, and consistent internet access for travelers crossing thousands of miles of rail or air routes.

A New Era of Infrastructure Independence

By moving forward with Rassvet, Russia joins a small group of nations capable of fielding a fully sovereign satellite broadband network. What sets the project apart isn’t just its engineering, but its broader message: that technological resilience—and public access—can go hand in hand.

With the first phase already underway and continued state support on the table, Rassvet could mark not only the dawn of a new internet era in Russia, but a new chapter in global broadband architecture.