- Russia moves closer to launching a new wave of Rassvet communications satellites
- New Launch Notice Indicates Another Milestone for Rassvet Network
- Russia plans hundreds of satellites to build independent communications network
A recent aeronautical advisory suggests that Russia is preparing to launch satellites for its Rassvet communications network in the coming days.
The notice, identified by a social media user who follows Russian launches, indicates a launch window at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome between July 11 and 16, 2026.
Roscosmos, the agency in charge of the country’s space program, has not confirmed the exact timetable and there is no official comment from the Russian government.
A constellation of years in the making
The first three Rassvet satellites reached orbit in 2023 aboard the Rassvet-1 mission from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, alongside other Roscosmos payloads.
These units served only as test equipment, verifying data transmission, communications stability, and orbital behavior rather than offering a commercial service.
Three larger satellites followed in May 2024 as part of the Rassvet-2 mission, launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome as full-fledged production prototypes for testing.
These prototypes tested satellite communications equipment supporting the 5G NTN standard, as well as laser links connecting satellites directly in orbit.
Production issues are believed to have affected supply chains for critical components, contributing to delays in several phases of the broader program.
In March, the 1440 Office announced the launch of 16 satellites forming the basis of the future Rassvet system, approximately three months behind the original schedule.
The advisory states that one or two launchers could take off from Plesetsk during the five-day window identified by observers.
Military issues behind the deployment schedule
Russia’s federal Internet access infrastructure project plans a gradual deployment, with 156 satellites planned for 2026 and 292 by 2027.
The 2027 figure is described as sufficient for full commercial service, while the full constellation of 318 satellites is expected by 2028.
Even a partial deployment between 2026 and 2027 would give the Russian military renewed access to a reliable Starlink-type communications system.
The urgency of the launch grew after SpaceX blocked Russia’s unauthorized use of its satellite internet system, prompting Moscow to seek alternative battlefield communications.
It recently tested a high-altitude stratospheric balloon relay network called Barrazh 1, designed to carry communications relay equipment up to about 20 km above the ground.
Ukraine and Western countries have long relied on Starlink for battlefield connectivity, prompting Moscow to seek its own independent alternative system.
Such a capability could be used, among other applications, to help coordinate and directly guide attack drones over contested battlefield environments.
The ground terminals would rely on active phased array technology, similar in principle to the hardware already used by Starlink users.
This design allows a terminal to automatically establish and maintain a stable link with aerial satellites, without requiring manual adjustment by operators.
It remains uncertain whether this specific launch window will materialize as planned, given the 1440 Office’s history of production delays and revised timelines.
If Rassvet proceeds according to the indicated timetable, it will mark an important step towards a complete reduction of Russia’s dependence on foreign satellite networks.
Via Militarnyi
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