Russia Loses Second Internet Satellite as Orbital Ambitions Falter
Moscow, Monday, 2 November 2026.
A second Russian internet satellite burned up after thruster failures pulled it into Earth’s atmosphere, highlighting persistent engineering setbacks for Moscow’s planned 900-satellite network designed to rival Western commercial systems.
Second Rassvet Satellite Failure Exposes Russia’s Space Program Vulnerabilities
On 30 October 2026, Russia’s Rassvet-3 No. 17 satellite (NORAD ID 100083) burned up during atmospheric reentry just 103 days after its launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 19 July 2026 [1][2][4][5]. The spacecraft, part of Bureau 1440’s 900-satellite constellation designed to rival SpaceX’s Starlink, failed to activate its propulsion system to achieve orbital corrections, resulting in gradual altitude loss due to atmospheric drag [1][2][4][5]. This marks the second such failure in 2026, following the June reentry of Rassvet-3 No. 4, which was launched on 23 March 2026 and burned up on 6 June 2026 without performing any orbital maneuvers [1][2][4][5].
Rassvet Constellation: Current Status and Strategic Implications
As of 2 November 2026, approximately 30 Rassvet-3 satellites remain in orbit, with most operating at an intermediate altitude of about 500 kilometers while the planned operational altitude is 800 kilometers [2][4][5]. According to Defense Express, 26 satellites have reached approximately 500 kilometers, while one is approaching this altitude [4]. This represents a significant delay from Bureau 1440’s original milestones, which planned for 156 satellites by the end of 2026, partial service in 2027 with 292 satellites, 610 satellites by 2028, and full constellation completion by 2035 [2][5]. The current technical setbacks raise questions about Russia’s ability to achieve these targets given the recurring propulsion system failures [1][2][4][5].
Technical Challenges and International Context
The failures highlight systemic challenges within Russia’s aerospace sector, including component shortages and technological isolation under international sanctions [1][2][5]. Bureau 1440’s Rassvet satellites, each weighing approximately 370 kilograms and equipped with krypton thrusters and laser inter-satellite links, represent a critical infrastructure project for Moscow [2][5]. The program aims to reduce reliance on foreign communications infrastructure and support connectivity across remote regions, including potential military applications [2][5]. However, the repeated losses underscore the technical difficulties of building a large-scale satellite network capable of competing with established Western systems like Starlink, which had more than 7,800 satellites in orbit as of August 2026 [2][5].
Recovery Efforts and Future Outlook
Despite these setbacks, Russian engineers successfully recovered Rassvet-3 No. 23, which had descended to approximately 220 kilometers in late October but was raised to around 300 kilometers by 20 October 2026 and continued climbing [1][2][4][5]. This recovery effort demonstrates some operational capability within the constellation, though the underlying propulsion system reliability remains a critical concern [1][2][4][5]. Meanwhile, Western observers note that equipment resembling satellite communication terminals has been spotted on Russian drones used in Ukraine, though a direct connection to the Rassvet network has not been confirmed [2][5]. The constellation’s current operational status suggests that while progress continues, achieving full operational capability by 2035 will require overcoming significant technical hurdles [1][2][4][5].