Russian Starlink Launch Postponed: A Setback for Internet Access?
The highly anticipated launch of Russia's own satellite internet system, dubbed 'Russian Starlink', has been delayed, leaving many wondering what this means for the country's internet access ambitions. The initial plan was to launch 16 satellites by the end of last year, but according to The Moscow Times, this launch has been postponed until 2026.
This delay comes as a surprise, especially considering the ambitious timeline set by Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov. In September 2025, Bakanov promised that by the end of the year, the first 300 satellites would be deployed in orbit as part of the Rassvet project. These satellites were meant to provide 'access to the internet at any geographical point', mirroring the capabilities of SpaceX's Starlink.
But what caused this postponement? The publication suggests that the required number of satellites hasn't been assembled yet. Bureau 1440, the Russian company behind the project, is working diligently, but they've chosen to keep specific launch dates and other sensitive details under wraps.
The Russian federal budget has allocated a substantial amount of 102.8 billion rubles ($1.36 billion) for this project, with Bureau 1440 contributing an additional 329 billion rubles ($4.36 billion) from its own funds by 2030. The plan was for the first 16 satellites to launch in 2025, with a steady increase to 156 in 2026, 292 in 2027, and 318 in 2028.
However, as of now, only six satellites have been launched as part of experimental missions, and they are still in orbit. This delay is a significant setback for Russia's internet infrastructure goals, especially when compared to the progress made by Ukraine's UASAT LEO project.
The Ukrainian project, led by the technology company STETMAN, aims to create a constellation of 245 communication satellites in low orbit. The first Ukrainian satellite is set to launch in October 2026, marking a notable milestone in their space program. While Russia's Russian Starlink project faces challenges, it remains a crucial initiative for the country's digital future.
This delay raises questions about the timeline and feasibility of Russia's satellite internet ambitions. Will the project overcome these initial hurdles? Only time will tell, and the world will be watching to see if Russia can achieve its goal of providing widespread internet access.
What do you think? Will Russian Starlink succeed in its mission? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
