Russia's Starlink rival struggles to reach target orbit, relies on Chinese components, Ukraine says

The system, known as Rassvet and developed by Russian company Bureau 1440, is intended to provide high-speed satellite communications that could reduce Russia's reliance on foreign services.

According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Russia launched 30 satellites in two batches on March 23 and July 19, 2026. Two have since fallen out of orbit.

Of the remaining satellites, 26 have stabilized at altitudes of approximately 500–520 kilometers (310–323 miles), below the planned 800 kilometers (497 miles). The others are continuing orbital maneuvers.

HUR said the project faces difficulties involving satellite deployment, compact user terminals and dependence on imported components. A third launch planned for 2026 has reportedly been canceled or postponed.

Ambitious expansion plans

Russia initially planned to expand the constellation to 47–48 satellites by the end of 2026.

Its plans call for launching another 240 satellites in 2027, aiming to provide coverage across 94% of Russian territory at data speeds of up to 150 megabits per second.

According to HUR, the constellation is expected to grow to 408 satellites by 2031 and 924 by 2035.

The satellites are designed to communicate with one another using laser links, reducing the need to route all traffic through ground stations.

Russia has also tested a user terminal called Ultra, which reportedly supports download speeds of up to 650 megabits per second and can operate on platforms moving at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph).

Four additional terminal models are planned for 2027, followed by an aviation version in 2028.

Chinese components and sanctions gaps

HUR identified Bureau 1440, part of Russia's ICS Holding, as the project's principal developer.

At least 46 Russian and three Belarusian companies are involved in production, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

Of those companies, 22, including Bureau 1440, are not subject to sanctions, HUR said.

The intelligence agency also identified Russia's Fakel design bureau in Kaliningrad as a supplier of satellite propulsion systems.

Despite domestic production efforts, Rassvet remains dependent on imported Chinese electronic components, including those used in antenna arrays, ground stations and user terminals, according to HUR.

The project is overseen by Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov, who previously headed a Russian satellite company that cooperated with British satellite internet provider OneWeb before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

HUR suggested that earlier cooperation may have given Russian companies access to technical knowledge later used in domestic satellite development, although it did not establish that such technology had been transferred to Rassvet.

Military implications

Russia's efforts to develop an independent satellite network have gained importance as access to Starlink has become increasingly contested during the war.

Earlier in 2026, Ukraine sought SpaceX's assistance in restricting Russian use of Starlink terminals, including on military drones.

Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi previously reported that Rassvet satellites could already provide at least two communications windows over Ukraine each day, each lasting more than an hour.

Ukrainian Air Assault Forces commander Oleh Apostol said Russia was facing technological obstacles but warned that the project could eventually succeed.

"I think it's a matter of time. They'll get there, just not as quickly as they wanted," he told journalists, according to hromadske.