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 postponed due to production delays. This news comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the ambitious timeline set by Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov. The project aimed to provide internet access to any geographical point, mirroring the success of SpaceX's Starlink.
The Moscow Times reports that the initial batch of 16 satellites, scheduled for launch at the end of last year, will now be delayed until 2026. This delay might be attributed to the complex assembly process required for such a large number of satellites. Bureau 1440, the Russian company behind the project, assures that they are working diligently to meet the target deadlines, but declined to disclose specific launch dates.
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 envisioned a rapid expansion, with 16 satellites in 2025, 156 by 2026, 292 by 2027, and 318 by 2028. However, only six satellites have been launched so far, and they were part of experimental missions.
In June 2025, Bakanov revealed an even more ambitious goal: to launch over 900 low-orbit satellites by 2035 under the Rassvet project. This project aims to provide widespread internet access across Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine's UASAT LEO project is making strides, with its first satellite scheduled for launch in October 2026.
The competition in the satellite internet market is heating up, and the delay in Russian Starlink's launch could have significant implications for the country's internet infrastructure. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to see how it compares to its counterparts and whether it can overcome the current production challenges.
