Tests of the "Rassvet" satellite internet have already reached the stage of working with real consumers, although foreign media previously drew attention to the low altitude of some satellites in the constellation. Alexey Shelobkov, head of "IKS Holding", spoke about the situation, stating that the project is developing according to plan and even ahead of the initial schedule.
In July, "Bureau 1440" launched a second batch of 16 "Rassvet" satellites into orbit. After launch, the spacecraft were at altitudes of approximately 305–402 km, whereas previously the target altitude for the constellation was stated to be around 804 km. This became a reason for publications about possible problems with the deployment of the Russian satellite internet.
However, the company made it clear that the current low orbit itself does not mean the project has failed. Open orbital data shows that many spacecraft performed maneuvers to increase altitude. "IKS Holding" emphasizes that all such technical risks were taken into account during the design of the constellation.
According to Alexey Shelobkov, "Rassvet" is currently within the planned development stages. Moreover, the actual pace of testing turned out to be higher than the initial plan.
Read more on the topic:
- Communication from "Rassvet" is on track: satellite internet testing has begun on trains
- The second package of "Rassvet" constellation satellites sent into space