Russia's Starlink Rival Rassvet Appears to Be Failing

Russia's endeavor to establish a satellite internet network comparable to SpaceX's Starlink, known as the Rassvet program, is encountering setbacks. Bureau 1440, the company overseeing Rassvet, has launched only 32 satellites into low Earth orbit since the program's inception earlier this year, a fraction of the roughly 300 spacecraft intended for orbit by the end of next year.

The program aims to provide connectivity for both military and civilian users. Bureau 1440 has outlined a long-term vision to deploy 924 satellites by 2035.

However, a critical issue has emerged: none of the 32 launched satellites have successfully reached their designed operational altitude of approximately 800 kilometers. The launch rockets placed the satellites much closer to Earth, requiring them to use their own plasma engines to ascend to the correct orbit over several months.

The uncertainty surrounding the functionality of these initial satellites raises doubts about the overall viability and progress of the Rassvet program and its potential to compete with existing global satellite internet services.