JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Russian Starlink Rival Faces Setbacks After Satellite Launch

September 2, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Russia's Rassvet satellite constellation faces setbacks after launch.
Many satellites failed to reach operational altitude of 870km.
Two satellites are already falling back to Earth.
Russia aims to expand Rassvet to 900 satellites by 2035.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This failure may indicate significant technical challenges for Russia's satellite internet ambitions, which could hinder its ability to establish a reliable alternative to Starlink. The setbacks suggest that Russia's goal of achieving stable connectivity over Ukraine may be delayed, potentially impacting its military and strategic operations.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Rassvet Constellation Expansion Hits Roadblock Amid Technical Issues

Russia’s Rassvet satellite constellation, a rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink, has encountered significant setbacks after a recent launch. Many of the 16 satellites failed to reach their operational altitude of 870km, with two already experiencing orbital decay and falling back to Earth. The Russian government aims to expand the Rassvet constellation to 900 satellites by 2035, but these technical issues may hinder progress. According to reports from the Institute for the Study of War, cited by Tom’s Hardware, the project’s interim target of 250 operational satellites by 2027 may need to be revised.

Source | Originally Published: March 26, 2026

Companies Mentioned