Anna Hartz
Russia’s Rassvet satellites remain stuck below operational altitude
Satellite internet has become an important tool in modern warfare. It helps soldiers communicate, share information and stay connected when other systems fail. Russia has been trying to build its own rival to SpaceX’s Starlink. However, the project is moving more slowly than planned.
3 months at 507 km altitude
Russia’s Rassvet-3 satellite constellation has still not reached its intended operational orbit six months after the first satellites were launched, reports United24Media.
According to Defense Express, none of the satellites from the first deployment has reached the planned altitude of 800 kilometers. This means the network cannot yet begin full-scale operations as originally expected.
The system is being developed by Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440. The first group of satellites was launched on March 23. A second group followed on July 19.
Most of the satellites from the first launch have spent around three months at an altitude of about 507 kilometers. Defense Express reported that 13 of the original 15 satellites have reached that level and appear to have established positions in relation to one another.
Two satellites remain at lower altitudes. Another satellite connected to the launch has already left orbit.
The delay may be linked to the way the satellites are being positioned. Satellites launched together must first separate and spread out along their orbital path. Performing these maneuvers at a lower altitude can save fuel.
At risk of falling back into Earth’s atmosphere
Tracking data shows that the 13 satellites have spread across roughly half of their planned orbital route. A gap remains in the formation. The two satellites below 500 kilometers may still be moving into position to help close it.
Once the formation is complete, the satellites could raise their orbits together toward 800 kilometers. However, Defense Express said current tracking data gives no clear sign that this maneuver is about to happen.
The second group launched in July is still climbing. These satellites may also stop at around 500 kilometers while they arrange themselves before moving higher.
The project has faced other problems. Two satellites from the second launch may be at risk of falling back into Earth’s atmosphere. One satellite from the first group has already deorbited.
Future launches could also be affected by a Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Progress Rocket Space Center in Samara. The facility produces Soyuz rockets used to launch Rassvet satellites.
Rassvet is designed to provide broadband internet from low Earth orbit. For now, its planned Starlink rival remains far from full operation.
