Russia's satellite system is now operating over Ukraine: Here's why it's a threat
Photo: Andrii Yusov, spokesperson for the Defense Intelligence (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia is already using its own satellite system, Rassvet, for military communications over Ukraine. The Russian forces are seeking to make attack drones more accurate and more resistant to electronic warfare systems, Reuters reports, citing Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR).
Russia launched 32 Rassvet satellites into orbit this year in two batches, in March and July. By comparison, SpaceX's Starlink network has more than 10,000 satellites.
By the end of 2026, Moscow plans further launches to expand coverage and gradually move closer to a fully operational low-Earth orbit communications system. The project coordinator, the company Bureau 1440, aims to build a constellation of more than 900 satellites by 2035.
HUR explained that Rassvet can provide two-way data exchange with drones over Ukraine. Reconnaissance drones will be able to transmit data in real time, while operators will be able to change the routes of attack drones during flight.
This will allow drones to respond to changes in a target's location or bypass air defenses.
"In the longer term, this could increase the effectiveness of strike and reconnaissance UAVs and make it more difficult for electronic warfare and electronic intelligence systems to intercept them," HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov said.
There are not yet enough satellites to provide continuous coverage of Ukrainian territory. Communications become available periodically when satellites pass over the required areas.
Russia's Rassvet project has serious technical problems. On October 30, one of the system's satellites, Rassvet-3 No. 17, deorbited and burned up in the atmosphere after operating in space for less than three months. According to Defense Express, the spacecraft likely failed to activate its engine to adjust its orbit.
It was launched on July 19 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome as part of the second batch. Back in September, reports emerged that this batch had failed to reach the required altitude. RBC-Ukraine previously explained in a separate article who is behind the development of Russia's Starlink equivalent and what its weaknesses are.
