Rassvet is the low Earth orbit broadband constellation being built by Bureau 1440, a Russian aerospace company founded as part of the X Holding group of tech companies. The company is developing the satellite system to deliver global broadband data services. Bureau 1440 reported placing its first 16 satellites into orbit on March 23, 2026, followed by a second launch of satellites on July 20, 2026.
The Rassvet network combines a design orbit height of 800 km with optical inter-satellite links and 5G non-terrestrial network technology. Targets published by Bureau 1440 include data transmission speeds up to 1 Gbit/s and signal latency under 70 ms. The system connects to user terminals engineered for fixed sites as well as mobile platforms spanning road vehicles, maritime vessels, trains, and aircraft.
What Rassvet Is
Rassvet is the low Earth orbit broadband constellation being built by Bureau 1440, a Russian aerospace company; its site lists the first 16 satellites in orbit on March 23, 2026, and a second launch on July 20, 2026.
Readers tracking orbital networks can compare this setup to other satellite constellations and broader LEO satellites.
| Parameter | Published Value |
|---|---|
| Constellation Developer | Bureau 1440 (part of X Holding group) |
| System Type | Low Earth orbit broadband satellite constellation |
| Design Orbit Height | 800 km |
| Data Speed Target | Up to 1 Gbit/s |
| Latency Target | Up to 70 ms (under 70 ms) |
| Inter-Satellite Links | In-house satellite laser communication terminals |
| Mobile Protocol | 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) user terminal tested June 24, 2024 |
| First 16 satellites | 16 satellites placed in orbit on March 23, 2026 |
| Second launch | Satellites placed in orbit on July 20, 2026 |
| Core Architecture Elements | Satellite constellation, laser terminals, user terminals, gateway stations |
Who Is Behind Bureau 1440
Bureau 1440 describes itself as a Russian aerospace company developing a low Earth orbit satellite system for global broadband data delivery. The entity was founded on December 8, 2020, as part of the X Holding group of tech companies.
Bureau 1440’s site lists a control centre in Moscow, used for the August 2023 satellite video conference. For national context, see the Russia space program.
Mission Timeline for Rassvet
Bureau 1440 documents the development of the Rassvet constellation through the dated entries on its site:
- June 27, 2023: The first three satellites of the “Rassvet 1” mission enter orbit.
- July 1, 2023: First communication session using Bureau 1440 spacecraft.
- August 17, 2023: A satellite video conference connects the Bureau 1440 control centre in Moscow with Mount Fisht.
- May 17, 2024: Three satellites of the “Rassvet 2” mission go into orbit.
- May 30, 2024: The company conducts laser terminal tests, transferring more than 200 GB of data at 10 Gbps between spacecraft spaced more than 30 km apart.
- June 24, 2024: Bureau 1440 runs its first communication session between an orbiting spacecraft and an in-house 5G NTN user terminal.
- February 24, 2025: Bureau 1440 launches automated production of solar panels.
- March 23, 2026: The first 16 satellites of the communications constellation enter orbit.
- July 20, 2026: Satellites from the second launch are placed into orbit.
Technology Behind the Rassvet Constellation
Bureau 1440 describes the Rassvet system as four main elements: the satellite constellation, satellite laser communication terminals, user terminals, and gateway stations.
Bureau 1440 says its satellites act like 5G base stations in orbit, and reports a first session with an in-house 5G NTN user terminal (June 24, 2024).
Satellites in orbit are linked by in-house optical laser communication terminals. In May 2024 tests, the terminals transferred more than 200 GB at 10 Gbps between spacecraft more than 30 km apart. Bureau 1440 says the laser links reduce reliance on ground gateway stations.
User terminals are engineered for fixed installations as well as mobile vehicles. Bureau 1440 lists compatible terminal equipment for cars, boats, ships, aircraft, and trains.
Target Customers for Rassvet Connectivity
Bureau 1440 lists specific target industries and economic sectors for the Rassvet broadband network:
- Mining and geological exploration
- Service providers
- Transport: aviation, rail, shipping, and road transport.
- Public sector: education, healthcare, emergency services, and regional government.
Readers comparing constellations can also see Starlink alternatives.
What Is Reported This Week
News headlines this week report that a satellite from the second batch reached an operational altitude of approximately 500 km, that a Russian official warned of consequences if the system were attacked, and that Ukraine urged US sanctions on suppliers.
The operator page lists 800 km as the design orbit height and does not address the reported (unconfirmed) 500 km figure, the political warning, or the sanctions appeal.
Information Not Published by Bureau 1440
The page read does not publish the following; verify at 1440.space:
- Total planned constellation size.
- Launch vehicle.
- Per-satellite specifications.
- Service start date.
- Pricing.
Readers can verify ongoing technical updates directly through the official Bureau 1440 portal.