According to this information, the device known as “Object 4” failed almost immediately after launch: after launch, its engine failed, which caused it to lose altitude and was unable to correct its orbit. As a result, the satellite entered the dense layers of the atmosphere and burned over the North Atlantic on June 6. The remaining devices continue to perform maneuvers, suggesting that they are still functional.
The Rasswiet project is considered a strategic communication resource. The first batch of satellites was launched after the Russian military lost the ability to use the US Starlink system during the war with Ukraine.
It took 1,000 days to prepare and deploy 16 devices, each weighing 370 kg.
The project is the responsibility of Office 1440, owned by X Holding, known for developing equipment for surveillance and blocking the Internet. A total of 383 satellites are planned to be launched292 of which are expected to be in orbit by the end of 2030. At least 250 devices are needed for full global coverage. The financing of the project will exceed 430 billion rubles (approx. PLN 21 billion).
Far behind Musk's satellites
According to media reports, the launch of the second series of Rasswieta satellites is scheduled for June 18.
Russia's level is hopelessly behind Elon Musk's SpaceX – the company sent the first Starlink satellites already in 2019, and today their constellation numbers over 10,000. devices. Additionally, Rasswiet is based on a single-use rocketwhich makes launches more expensive than those of competitors using the reusable Falcon 9.
