First Satellite From Second Batch of Rassvet Satellites Reaches Operational Altitude of About 500 km

The first Russian Rassvet communications satellite from the second batch entered its operational orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km, 68 days after launch.

This was reported by Militarnyi, based on an analysis of data from the Satcat satellite tracking service.

The Rassvet-3 No. 29 satellite first reached its operational altitude, with an apogee of 507–508 km, on September 29, 2026, after which it stabilized at that altitude. By comparison, it took the first satellite from the first batch 78 days to reach this altitude.

The other 12 satellites from the second batch, which show no signs of problems, are also continuing their ascent at a rate of about 5–10 km per day. Starting on September 29, the satellites that reached an altitude of 480 km have stabilized at that altitude, presumably grouping together for the final maneuver to deploy into a chain at the target altitude.

The last Rassvet-3 satellite, No. 21, which shows no signs of problems, is expected to reach an altitude of 480 km in about two weeks at the current rate.

Problem satellites

Although the Rassvet satellite deployment program cannot be considered a failure overall, a significant number of ‘teething problems’ and defects were discovered in the first two production batches.

For example, in the first batch, satellite No. 4 was definitively lost. It failed to begin its ascent and fell out of orbit on June 6. Satellites No. 11 and No. 14 continue to perform maneuvers but show no consistent trend toward gaining altitude: since mid-June, they have remained in the 340–360 km range. It is likely that they will ultimately fail to reach stable orbits and will burn up in the atmosphere over the next few years.

In the second batch, satellites No. 17 and No. 23 have the most obvious problems. They have not begun to climb since launch and are gradually descending. As of October 2, they are at an altitude of 255–260 km.

Moreover, their descent is accelerating. While their descent rate was about 0.5 km per day after launch, as of October 2 it had increased to 1 km per day. It is likely that the satellites will soon leave orbit and burn up in the atmosphere.

Satellite No. 26 is also experiencing some issues. Initially, it briefly rose to 305.8 km, then dropped back down to approximately 289 km by September 26, after which it resumed its ascent and reached an altitude of 300 km as of October 2.

This could indicate a failed attempt to begin ascent or a malfunction in the propulsion system. However, Satellite No. 10 from the previous batch was able to ascend from a lower altitude, so it is too early to say with certainty that No. 26 will inevitably fall.

It is worth noting that although the Russian Rassvet satellite constellation did not reach its planned orbit at an altitude of 800 km, satellite communication tests involving real users in the Arctic confirmed the system’s operational capability.