Russia has already launched the first 16 "Rassvet" satellites into orbit, which are currently operating in test mode. This was reported by Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, advisor to the Minister of Defense, according to UNN.
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"The Russian equivalent of Starlink is the 'Bureau 1440' project," the report states.
"After 'Militarnyi' summarized all publicly available information in a video review regarding the 'Rassvet' satellites, I was literally flooded with questions," Beskrestnov noted.
In this regard, the minister's advisor provided a structured response.
"The enemy needs a 'Russian Starlink.' Undoubtedly, Russia understands the importance of a high-speed data transmission system via low-orbit satellites, and it would be foolish to think they wouldn't pursue this direction. The only question is the timeframe," Beskrestnov remarked.
"I have no idea which agencies or structures in our country are tracking this project and thinking about potential problems. I can only speak for myself. Since the first day of the war, I have been gathering all information on this topic, trying to analyze and track everything," the advisor emphasized.
"Why are we doing nothing against this project? Because it shows no signs or facts of military use.
And also, I'm curious, how do you envision countermeasures? Attacking the distant Plesetsk, Vostochny, and Baikonur cosmodromes with our UAVs so that mobile internet satellites are no longer launched? To me, that sounds like nonsense," Beskrestnov explained.
He informed that "there are currently 16 'Rassvet' satellites in orbit. For data transmission to be continuous and stable, at least 200–250 satellites need to be launched. The plans for the coming years are to launch 300, and then another 700 satellites. We will see when and how many are actually launched. Deadlines and plans are constantly changing."
"Can the existing satellites already be used against us for military purposes? Theoretically, yes. A satellite can provide high-speed data transmission for 6–10 minutes while flying over us. They pass by approximately once a day. For those interested in when and where they fly, you can download an app, for example, Satellite Tracker.
Theoretically, the enemy could already install satellite internet terminals on 'Shaheds' and plan an attack during the satellite pass, but I believe this is too organizationally complex, and until there are enough satellites in orbit for stable communication, there will be no military application," the minister's advisor stated.
"If military use of 'Rassvet' satellites begins, we will detect it through satellite traffic, intelligence data, or captured equipment. It depends on what the application will be," Beskrestnov explained.
"What countermeasures against 'Rassvet' satellites can we take? Has Russia, with its scientific and technological potential, been able to do anything about 'Starlinks' in 4 years? No. Therefore, I think we won't be able to do anything either when there are many satellites, but I have some cunning ideas. It is too early to test them now. The 16 satellites currently in orbit are operating in test mode," the advisor noted.