Satellite wars: How Russia plans to rival Musk’s Starlink in space

Russia is deploying dozens of Rassvet satellites to expand a low-orbit broadband network, aiming to rival and potentially surpass Elon Musk’s Starlink. Developed by Bureau 1440, this initiative is central to Russia’s strategy for digital sovereignty, bolstering drone warfare capabilities, and maintaining connectivity under Western pressure. The Rassvet system operates from a higher orbit than Starlink, requiring fewer satellites for coverage, and is designed to serve large businesses, government infrastructure, and remote regions like the Arctic and Siberia.

• Russia is deploying its Rassvet satellite network to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
• The Rassvet satellites aim to improve Russia’s digital sovereignty and drone warfare capabilities.
• Bureau 1440, part of IKS Holding, is developing the Rassvet satellites, which function as 5G base stations with laser communication.
• Rassvet operates from a higher orbit (800 km) compared to Starlink, potentially requiring fewer satellites for coverage.
• Russia plans to have 156 Rassvet satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of around 900 by 2035.
• The system is intended for widespread connectivity across Russia’s vast territory, including remote areas like the Arctic and Siberia, and for use on high-speed trains.
• While similar to Starlink, Rassvet has a different design philosophy, focusing on comprehensive coverage across Russia rather than mass-market global coverage.
• The development of homegrown satellites is seen as crucial for Russia’s independence from Western technology and governments.