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Russia having difficulties creating its own version of Starlink system, says think tank report
World🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

Russia having difficulties creating its own version of Starlink system, says think tank report

A report by the Institute for the Study of War claims that Russian satellites are unable to achieve the necessary altitudes to develop a functional alternative to SpaceX's Starlink system. This suggests challenges in Russia's efforts to establish comparable satellite internet infrastructure. The report highlights technical limitations in Russia's current capabilities, potentially affecting its strategic goals in space technology. Such developments could impact Russia's ability to provide global broadband services similar to those offered by Starlink.

Russia faces challenges in developing its own version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system, according to a recent report by the Institute for the Study of War. The think tank noted that Russian satellites have struggled to reach the necessary altitudes to establish a comparable network. Since the early 2020s, Russia has launched fewer rockets into space than SpaceX did in 2025 alone. This decline has left Russia lagging behind in satellite constellations, with no clear equivalent to Starlink yet in operation. However, Russia has begun constructing its own satellite-based communication system called Rasswet, which aims to provide broadband internet access nationwide. The project, developed by the privately owned, state-subsidized aerospace firm Bureau 1440, plans to begin commercial operations by 2027, though meeting this deadline remains uncertain. Rasswet is designed for both civilian and military use. While officially intended for civil purposes, the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted how such systems can serve dual roles. For instance, Ukrainian forces have used Starlink to transmit real-time drone footage to artillery positions and maintain communications during power outages. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which remain fixed over the equator, Rasswet satellites will orbit at an altitude of 800 kilometers, higher than most Starlink satellites. Their orbits will be significantly inclined toward the equator, allowing coverage of Russia’s northern regions. This design choice addresses limitations of geostationary satellites, particularly in high-latitude areas. In 2023, Bureau 1440 tested three satellites equipped with laser terminals capable of exchanging data via light signals. This optical communication reduces the need for ground stations, especially in sparsely populated parts of Russia. Similar capabilities exist in newer SpaceX satellites, making this feature crucial for Rasswet’s success.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

The Washington Times logoThe Washington TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 759/1/2026
Russia having difficulties creating its own version of Starlink system, says think tank report

A report by the Institute for the Study of War claims that Russian satellites are unable to achieve the necessary altitudes to develop a functional alternative to SpaceX's Starlink system. This suggests challenges in Russia's efforts to establish comparable satellite internet infrastructure. The report highlights technical limitations in Russia's current capabilities, potentially affecting its strategic goals in space technology. Such developments could impact Russia's ability to provide global broadband services similar to those offered by Starlink.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement based on a think tank's report without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on technical challenges faced by Russia without taking a clear ideological stance or emphasizing one side over another.

Why factuality (85): The article cites a think tank report from the Institute for the Study of War as its source, which provides a specific claim about Russia's challenges in developing its own Starlink system. While no primary source document was available, the claim aligns with cross-source reporting on Russian satell

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the information in a somewhat neutral tone but uses phrases like 'having difficulties' and 'failing to reach the required altitudes,' which may imply a level of criticism. It also frames the issue as a challenge rather than a failure, which could be seen as subtly biased toward

Neue Zürcher Zeitung logoNeue Zürcher ZeitungIndependent🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 659/1/2026
Russia's response to Starlink: The bumpy start of Rasswet

The article discusses Russia's attempt to develop an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, focusing on the challenges faced by the Russian project known as 'Rassvet.' The piece highlights the technical difficulties and delays encountered during the launch and deployment of the system, suggesting that Russia's efforts to create a competitive space-based internet network are encountering significant obstacles.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the technical challenges facing Russia's Rassvet project without overtly favoring any particular perspective. It focuses on the technological hurdles rather than making political judgments or emphasizing ideological positions.

Why factuality (70): This German article refers to 'Rasswet' (likely a misspelling or mistranslation of 'Roskosmos') and mentions Russia's attempt to develop an alternative to Starlink. However, the article lacks specific sources or citations, making it harder to verify the claims. The title suggests a 'rough start,' wh

Why objectivity (65): The article has a more subjective tone, using phrases like 'holpriger Start' (rough start) which carries a negative connotation. There is little effort to present multiple perspectives or contextualize the development within broader geopolitical or technical frameworks, suggesting a potential bias t

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