16 Russian 'Starlink' Satellites Fail to Reach Target Orbit
This concerns the second batch of 'Bureau 1440' satellites: the first, launched in March, also failed to reach the target altitude of 800 km — 12 out of 16 spacecraft reached an orbit of approximately 550 km.
Consensus
- None of the 16 satellites from the July 19 second batch of the 'Rassvet' system reached their intended operational orbit by late August.
- Most of the satellites from the second batch are located at an altitude of 300–400 km.
- The orbital altitude of 300–400 kilometers results in increased atmospheric drag and reduced satellite lifespan.
- At least two satellites are approaching atmospheric re-entry and may burn up.
- The first batch of 16 satellites, launched in March, had similar issues, with only 12 reaching an altitude of 550 km.
- The 'Rassvet' project is intended as a Russian analog to SpaceX's Starlink system.
- The project is managed by Bureau 1440, which is part of IKS Holding.
- The system is intended for military use, including drone guidance and communication over occupied Ukrainian territory.
- The project has faced at least two strikes on related production facilities in Russia.
Points of divergence
- The intended operational orbit for the 'Rassvet' satellites is at 870 km. — novaya_eu
- The intended operational orbit is around 800 km. — tg_theinsider
- The first batch of satellites was intended to reach an operational orbit of 870 km. — thebell
- The current situation may be a temporary measure for testing key components, and the satellites are still functional and communicating with ground terminals. — tg_theinsider
- The prolonged orbital raise is due to the low thrust of electrostatic engines, which can take weeks or months. — tg_theinsider
- The 12 satellites from the first batch that reached 550 km provide two daily communication sessions totaling up to 1.5 hours. — novaya_eu
- The company began internal testing and consumer trials in August, ahead of the originally planned September timeline. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The 'Rassvet' system is not a true analog to Starlink due to the vast difference in scale and capacity. — thebell
Coverage (4 sources)
- None of the 16 satellites of Russia's second batch of 'Starlink' analog reached the calculated orbit — ISW — Новая газета Европа
- Head of 'Russian Starlink' claims ahead-of-schedule work in response to reports of loss of half of launched satellites — The Moscow Times
- All 16 'Russian Starlink' satellites have not reached working altitude. 'Due to engine characteristics, orbit raising lasts for months' - expert — The Insider
- U 'Russian Starlink' has problems with half of the satellites — The Bell