© 
Russia’s Rassvet satellite communications system, positioned as a counterpart to the U. S. Starlink network, will combine an orbital constellation with ground-based infrastructure. Doctor of Technical Sciences and State Prize laureate Alexander Nikitin outlined the main features of the system, which is also intended for use by the Russian Armed Forces.
According to Nikitin, the network will consist of several key components. The first is the satellite constellation itself, with spacecraft effectively serving as orbital base stations.
The second element is a network of gateway stations on the ground. These facilities are designed to connect the space-based segment with conventional terrestrial communications networks.
The third component is the user terminal. It will allow subscribers to maintain a connection with a satellite passing over the relevant area.
Nikitin also highlighted the planned orbital altitude. Rassvet satellites are expected to operate at roughly 800 kilometers above Earth. By comparison, Starlink spacecraft operated by Elon Musk’s company fly at altitudes of about 550 kilometers.
He added that the federal project behind Rassvet includes a year-by-year deployment schedule. Around 900 satellites are expected to be placed into orbit by 2035.
According to Nikitin, roughly 150 spacecraft are planned for launch in 2026, while the number scheduled for 2027 is expected to be nearly twice as high.
Earlier, former Google chief and technology adviser Eric Schmidt said the deployment of the Rassvet system could provide the Russian military with a major advantage over the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also argued that Ukraine does not have an effective means of countering Russian ballistic missiles.