Russian stuff blowing up: Russia’s new Starlink-alternative satellite system fails
Russia's new satellite system, Rassvet, designed to rival Starlink, has failed to reach its intended orbit. Multiple sources confirm that the recent launch of 16 satellites ended in failure, with many not reaching their target altitude of 870km. This setback threatens Russia's plans to deploy a 250-satellite constellation by 2027.
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- ✓ All 16 of Russia's latest satellites for its Starlink rival failed to reach their intended orbit.
- ✓ Russia's Rassvet satellite system has failed to reach its target operational altitudes.
- ✓ At least three of the first 32 Rassvet satellites likely suffered outright failures.
What changed
The latest development is that Russia's second batch of Rassvet satellites has failed to reach operational altitude, with many of the 16 launched hitting less than half their target altitude.
Live updates
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Russia's Starlink rival satellite system fails to reach orbit
Russia's new satellite system, Rassvet, designed to rival Starlink, has failed to reach its intended orbit. Multiple sources confirm that the recent launch of 16 satellites ended in failure, with many not reaching their target altitude of 870km. This setback threatens Russia's plans to deploy a 250-satellite constellation by 2027.
Why it matters
The failure of Russia's Rassvet satellite system is significant as it was intended to provide an alternative to Starlink, a satellite internet system developed by SpaceX. Starlink has been used by Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia, providing critical communication infrastructure. Russia's inability to deploy a functional satellite system could impact its military operations and communication capabilities.
What is confirmed
- All 16 of Russia's latest satellites for its Starlink rival failed to reach their intended orbit.
- Russia's Rassvet satellite system has failed to reach its target operational altitudes.
- At least three of the first 32 Rassvet satellites likely suffered outright failures.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is unlikely to reach its 250-satellite target in 2027 after recent Ukrainian strikes on Soyuz facilities.
What to watch next
- Russia's plans to recover from the failure of the Rassvet satellite system
- Impact on Russia's military operations and communication capabilities
- Ukraine's continued use of Starlink during the conflict
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (8)
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 31, 2026
- Euronews.com — Russia's Starlink copycat has failed so far, but still threatens Ukraine
- EUobserver — Russia’s answer to Starlink satellites seen falling towards earth (Ukraine Battlefield update, Day 1,650)
- yahoo.com — All 16 of Russia's latest satellites for its Starlink rival failed to reach their intended orbit
- Daily Kos — Russian stuff blowing up: Russia’s new Starlink-alternative satellite system fails
- tech.yahoo.com — Russian Starlink rival flounders after entire batch of satellites fails to reach operational altitude — many of the 16 launched hit less than half their 870km target, and two ...
- arstechnica.com — Is Russia’s rival to Starlink failing? Here’s what we know.
- www.yahoo.com — Russia's Rossvest Starlink Alternative Is Already Losing Satellites to Accidental Reentry
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