Russia Prepares to Launch 16 Satellites for Rassvet Satellite Constellation
The spacecraft will form part of a large-scale system designed to deliver nationwide satellite internet coverage, including in remote and hard-to-reach regions.
Not a Luxury, but a Strategic Necessity
As a technology-driven economy spanning eleven time zones, Russia requires a sovereign satellite internet system capable of providing connectivity across its entire territory. This is particularly critical for remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is either physically impractical or economically prohibitive. In 2026, the country is set to take key steps toward expanding nationwide satellite broadband access.
In the first quarter of this year, Russia plans to launch the low Earth orbit Rassvet (Dawn) satellite constellation. Sixteen satellites have already been manufactured and are scheduled for deployment during the same period. The announcement was made by Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, Maksut Shadaev, during a presentation to members of the State Duma.
Following the deployment of the low Earth orbit segment, the next phase will include high-orbit satellites, currently targeted for 2029 – 2030. According to Shadaev, these spacecraft are already under development.
Global Ambitions
The Rassvet deployment is part of a broader plan to establish a new orbital constellation that could eventually comprise up to 300 satellites in near-Earth orbit. Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov has previously outlined the program’s scope. The system is designed to deliver internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps, with coverage extending across the entire country, including strategic routes such as the Northern Sea Route.
Demand for resilient satellite broadband in Russia has been building for years. While rural communities are an obvious beneficiary, the impact extends far beyond them. The network is expected to play a significant role in reducing the digital divide. Major enterprise customers will likely include passenger and freight transport operators, oil producers, power utilities, industrial manufacturers and agricultural enterprises.
Not a Copy of Starlink
The Rassvet program is often compared to the US-based Starlink system, but the comparison is only partially accurate. Russia is not replicating Elon Musk’s model. A key technical distinction is orbital altitude: the new satellites will operate at higher orbits than their US counterparts. This increases the coverage footprint of each spacecraft, meaning fewer satellites are required to build a stable nationwide network, potentially reducing capital expenditure.
Currently, six Russian spacecraft are already operating in near-Earth orbit. On May 17, 2024, satellites from the second experimental mission – Rassvet-2 – were launched. Industry specialists reported that, for the first time in the history of Russia’s space sector, these spacecraft were equipped with satellite communication systems using the 5G NTN protocol standard, along with inter-satellite laser communication terminals. The mission is focused on validating system performance and preparing for full operational deployment.
Parallel development is underway for ground terminals. In November of last year, Bureau 1440 introduced a satellite terminal engineered specifically for railway applications. The device is resistant to strong vibrations, temperature fluctuations and operates on 110-volt power supply networks, making it suitable for transport deployment.
State Program Framework
Satellite deployment is being carried out under the Sfera (Sphere) federal target program. The initiative is intended not only to provide stable wireless connectivity but also to supply large-scale Earth remote sensing data. By 2030, the Sfera constellation is expected to include 640 spacecraft. The program is also positioned as a foundation for enabling large-scale unmanned vehicle operations, both in airspace and on the ground, by providing continuous communication infrastructure.
Commercial operations of the Rassvet project could begin as early as 2027, provided launch schedules are maintained and financing remains stable. Although the project is primarily focused on the domestic market, it may attract international customers seeking alternatives to Western satellite internet providers.
