Russian Starlink Launch Postponed: A Setback for Internet Access
The highly anticipated launch of Russia's own satellite constellation, dubbed 'Russian Starlink', has been postponed, leaving many wondering about the future of internet access in the country. The delay comes as a result of satellite production issues, according to recent reports.
The Moscow Times reports that the initial batch of 16 communication satellites, set to be launched by Bureau 1440, has been pushed back to 2026. This delay is significant as it was initially promised that by the end of 2025, the first 300 satellites would be deployed in orbit as part of the Rassvet project, aiming to provide 'access to the internet at any geographical point'.
Bureau 1440, the Russian company behind the project, has stated that they are working 'in accordance with the target deadlines', but the exact launch dates remain undisclosed. The project's budget is substantial, with the Russian federal budget allocating 102.8 billion rubles ($1.36 billion) and Bureau 1440 contributing an additional 329 billion rubles ($4.36 billion) by 2030.
The Rassvet project aims to launch a total of 900 low-orbit satellites by 2035, according to Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov's statement in June 2025. However, currently, only six satellites have been launched as part of experimental missions, leaving a long road ahead for the project's completion.
Interestingly, Ukraine's UASAT LEO project is already in its implementation phase, with the first satellite scheduled for launch in October 2026. The Ukrainian technology company STETMAN has an ambitious goal of creating a constellation of 245 communication satellites in low orbit, which could potentially impact the market dynamics for satellite-based internet services.
This delay in Russia's satellite launch is a notable setback, but it remains to be seen how it will affect the country's internet infrastructure and the global satellite market. The comments section is open for discussion: What do you think this delay means for Russia's internet access plans?
