Russia Expands Rassvet Satellite Network to Challenge Starlink

Russia is rapidly deploying its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Rassvet, as part of an effort to build a domestic broadband communications network that could eventually serve as an alternative to existing Western satellite systems. The project, developed by Bureau 1440, is progressing toward large-scale deployment over the coming decade. Russia Plans Hundreds of Satellites by 2035 According to publicly available project plans, Russia aims to expand the Rassvet constellation to approximately 250 satellites by 2027, increase the network to around 730 spacecraft by 2030, and exceed 900 satellites by 2035. The satellites operate in low-Earth orbit using high-inclination trajectories, allowing them to provide coverage over large portions of the planet as the Earth rotates beneath their orbital paths.