Russia’s Satellite Constellation Loses One Spacecraft After Launch of Starlink Rival System

Russia's Rassvet satellite constellation, developed as a potential domestic alternative to SpaceX's Starlink system, has reportedly lost one of its 16 serial satellites. Monitoring data from satellite tracking platforms indicates the disappearance of one spacecraft shortly after launch. The Russian company Bureau 1440 currently operates a growing network of satellites in low Earth orbit. According to company statements, the constellation includes 21 spacecraft in total: six experimental satellites from the Rassvet-1 and Rassvet-2 series, along with 15 satellites from the first batch launch. On March 23, 2026, Russia launched the first 16 serial satellites of the Rassvet system. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle on the target transfer orbit and came under the control of the company's Mission Control Center. Engineers then began system checks and prepared the satellites for transfer to their operational orbit.