Faster Than Originally Planned: Russia Seeks 292 Starlink-Rival Satellites by 2027

Russia wants to launch its Starlink-rival satellite internet network, Rassvet, faster than originally planned. Ukrainian intelligence says Russia already has 16 satellites in orbit and aims to reach a 292-satellite constellation by 2027. The plan would eventually expand to 924 satellites by 2035, enabling more continuous communications coverage similar to Starlink. Kyiv says the system is still intermittent now, but discussions are underway on how to counter its growing capability.