Russia’s multibillion-dollar answer to Elon Musk falls apart in space — forcing a high-stakes gamble to save its orbit

Russia's secret Starlink replacement could launch without warning

by · TechRadar

News By Efosa Udinmwen Published 11 November 2026 2 min read

(Image credit: Piro)

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  • Russia's Starlink competitor faces serious problems placing its satellites into orbit
  • Moscow may replace its troubled Rassvet-3 spacecraft with improved satellites
  • Russia's proposed Rassvet-4 network involves 374 satellites across 17 orbital planes

Russia's attempt to establish a satellite internet network capable of challenging Elon Musk's Starlink is encountering serious deployment difficulties.

Its Rassvet-3 spacecraft have struggled to reach their intended orbital positions, raising questions about the project's ability to deliver reliable connectivity.

Moscow is now pursuing an apparent replacement through an improved satellite design called Rassvet-4, although several important details remain undisclosed.

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Russia develops a replacement as its satellite constellation struggles

Russia has submitted documentation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) concerning a proposed Rassvet-4 network involving 374 satellites operating approximately 800 kilometers above Earth.

The planned constellation would occupy 17 orbital planes, with each containing 22 spacecraft intended to provide satellite communications coverage across designated regions.

Although Russian authorities have not officially announced Rassvet-4 development, the filing suggests preparations for another generation within the country's planned satellite communications infrastructure.

The application could therefore concern an upgraded spacecraft rather than an entirely separate network, particularly given the difficulties affecting the existing Rassvet-3 deployment.

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