The full-scale launch in Russia of the low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation "Rassvet" is planned for the first quarter of 2026; 16 spacecraft have already been created, said Russian Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev. According to him, it will become a response to Elon Musk's Starlink system.
Shadaev added that the implementation of the program to launch satellite devices into geostationary orbit is scheduled for the period of 2029–2030. At this stage, the construction of four satellites of the specified series is underway.
The system will make it possible to provide high-speed Internet access, guaranteeing data transmission at speeds of up to one gigabit per second everywhere, including remote areas of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route. The company "Byuro 1440" is actively participating in the development and implementation of this project.
Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov noted that the first Starlink terminal has already almost been created. Now it is mandatory to make our own satellite device.