Russian Starlink equivalent shows no signs of military use yet – photo
Russia's Rassvet satellite communications system, being developed as a Starlink equivalent, is still at an early deployment stage and does not have a sufficient number of satellites.
Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, adviser to Ukraine's Defence Minister and radio technology expert
Details: "Why are we not doing anything against this project? Because it shows no signs or evidence of military use," Flash wrote.
He noted that only the first 16 Rassvet satellites are currently operational in orbit.
"For data transmission to be continuous and stable, a minimum of 200-250 satellites need to be launched. Plans for the coming years include launching 300 and then a further 700 satellites," he said.
He stressed that plans regarding the number of satellites and their launch schedules may change.
Flash also expressed scepticism about the prospects of countering the system should a full satellite constellation be deployed, noting that Russia has failed to effectively counter Starlink over four years.
He added that Rassvet satellites are currently operating in test mode.
Flash also noted that technically the existing satellites are already capable of providing data transmission for a limited period.
"Can the existing satellites already be used against us for military purposes? Theoretically – yes. A satellite can provide high-speed data transmission for six to 10 minutes as it passes over us," Flash said.
He added that the system's satellites pass over Ukraine "approximately once a day".
"Theoretically, the enemy could already install satellite internet terminals on Shahed drones and plan an attack during satellite passes, but I believe this is too complex from an organisational standpoint, and until there are enough satellites in orbit for stable communications, there will be no military application," he wrote.
Beskrestnov also noted that Russia understands the importance of high-speed data transmission systems via low-orbit satellites and continues to develop this area.
He said should Rassvet satellites begin to be used for military purposes, this could be detected via satellite traffic, intelligence data or captured equipment.
Background:
- Russian space company Bureau 1440 previously launched the first broadband internet satellites as part of the Rassvet project.
- Following the unauthorised use of Starlink satellite communication terminals by Russian forces on strike UAVs, Ukraine together with SpaceX introduced terminal verification from 2 February. Russian military Starlink terminals were fully blocked.
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