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Is Russia's rival to Starlink failing? Here's what we know.
Ars Technica • • world
Key Points:
- Russia’s Rassvet satellite program, intended as a domestic alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink, has launched 32 satellites but none have reached their planned 500-mile operational orbit, with the highest altitude achieved being around 300 miles.
- Several Rassvet satellites have failed to maneuver or maintain orbit, indicating technical problems; at least three satellites are confirmed failures, reflecting challenges similar to early Starlink development but with potentially higher failure rates.
- The program faces significant hurdles including chronic underfunding, production bottlenecks, and impacts from the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to attacks on Russian space infrastructure and efforts to disrupt further satellite launches.
- Despite limited coverage, the current Rassvet constellation poses a threat to Ukraine by enabling Russian forces to conduct more precise strikes and maintain satellite communications during limited windows.
- Ukraine’s recent strikes on launch facilities and rocket factories aim to delay Russia’s ability to expand the Rassvet network, potentially hindering Russia’s goal to establish a reliable satellite internet system for military use.
