Russia’s effort to build a homegrown satellite internet network similar to Starlink has encountered an early challenge after reports emerged that one of the newly launched satellites in the Rassvet constellation can no longer be tracked in its expected orbit.
Monitoring information from publicly available satellite-tracking services suggests that one of the 16 production-model satellites deployed earlier this year has disappeared from its designated position, raising questions about the spacecraft’s status.
Missing Satellite Detected Through Tracking Data
The satellite constellation is being developed by Bureau 1440, which is working to establish a large low-Earth-orbit communications network.
According to the company, the broader Rassvet system currently consists of 21 satellites.
The fleet includes six experimental spacecraft from the Rassvet-1 and Rassvet-2 programs, alongside 15 operational satellites from the first production deployment.
Concerns emerged after data published by tracking platforms indicated that one of the serial satellites launched in March was no longer visible in its expected orbital location.
While no official explanation has been released regarding the spacecraft’s condition, the tracking information suggests that the satellite may have been lost shortly after entering service.
March Launch Marked Major Milestone
The first batch of 16 production satellites was sent into space on March 23, 2026, representing a significant step in the expansion of the Rassvet program.
Following separation from the launch vehicle, the satellites were transferred under the supervision of the company’s mission control team.
Engineers then began post-launch testing and preparations to move the spacecraft into their designated operational orbits.
The mission was carried out using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket paired with a Fregat-M upper stage.
The launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, with industry observers reporting that all satellites were successfully deployed during the initial phase of the mission.
Russia Pushes Ahead With Domestic Broadband Ambitions
The Rassvet project is intended to become Russia’s domestic alternative to the satellite broadband services provided by SpaceX through its Starlink network.
Bureau 1440 has repeatedly stated its goal of creating an independent communications infrastructure capable of delivering broadband connectivity through a constellation of low-orbit satellites.
The initiative is viewed as a strategic effort to reduce reliance on foreign technologies in the communications sector.
Reports have also indicated that the company has developed and potentially patented a ground-based user terminal known as AT-3, designed to connect customers to the satellite network.
Officials Back Expansion of the Rassvet Constellation
Support for the project has come from Russian lawmakers and technology officials.
In November 2025, Sergei Boyarsky said the Rassvet system was expected to become an independent Russian satellite broadband platform capable of competing with American communications technologies.
Although the apparent loss of one satellite represents a setback, development of the constellation continues.
Engineers remain focused on improving the network and preparing future launches as Russia works toward expanding its satellite-based internet capabilities.
