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Russia's Rassvet Satellite Constellation Faces Setbacks

November 1, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Russia's Rassvet satellite constellation has lost two satellites in 2026.
The program aims to launch 900 satellites by 2035.
Rassvet-3 No. 17 burned up in the atmosphere on October 30, 2026.
The constellation's reliability and launch schedule are under scrutiny.

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Strategic Implications

The Rassvet satellite losses may indicate significant challenges for Russia's space-internet ambitions, which could impact the country's ability to provide reliable broadband services. The program's reliability issues and launch schedule setbacks suggest that the 900-satellite goal by 2035 may be at risk, which could have implications for Russia's competitiveness in the global satellite market.

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What Happened

Second Satellite Loss Raises Questions About Program's Viability

Russia’s Rassvet satellite constellation, a rival to SpaceX’s Starlink, has suffered a second satellite loss in 2026. Rassvet-3 No. 17 burned up in the atmosphere on October 30, 2026, after failing to raise its orbit. The program, developed by Bureau 1440, aims to launch 900 satellites by 2035, but the recent losses have raised questions about its viability. The constellation’s reliability and launch schedule are under scrutiny, with some sources suggesting that the program may be facing significant challenges. This development was first reported by Tech Insider.

Source | Originally Published: October 31, 2026

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