Rassvet

Rassvet is a Russian low-Earth-orbit broadband satellite constellation developed by Bureau 1440 for civilian connectivity and prospective military communications.

Overview

Rassvet, also transliterated as Rasvet, is Bureau 1440's developing satellite broadband network. WIRED describes it as Russia's answer to Starlink. Its first operational batch of 16 satellites launched in March 2026, per The Moscow Times, followed by another 16 on 19 July 2026, according to Militarnyi's deployment analysis.

The network remains in early deployment. Bureau 1440 plans commercial service in 2027, but published schedules disagree over when the constellation should reach 292 satellites. Documented activity includes communications trials and intermittent coverage over Ukraine; continuous service has not been established in the cited reporting.

Rassvet is a dual-use communications system. Bureau 1440 describes civilian applications, while Russian leaders have discussed military uses, including control of heavy drones, according to Militarnyi. Defence Ministry involvement in launches establishes a state and military role, but a separate classified military programme is not publicly established. Its military significance lies in the prospect of Russian-controlled broadband access after Russia lost access to unauthorised Starlink terminals.

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