Russia to launch hundreds of Rassvet satellites in 2027, Ukraine says

Russia plans to launch hundreds of satellites for its Rassvet constellation, a Starlink alternative, in 2027, according to Ukraine's military intelligence agency, which reported the deployment is accelerating despite setbacks. Ukraine's GUR said Russia has launched 30 satellites this year, though none have reached their planned 500-mile altitude, with two already deorbited. Russia aims to expand to 48 satellites by year-end and launch 240 more next year to cover 94% of its territory. The assessment comes as Ukraine faces renewed Starlink service restrictions, with speed limits detected across Russian-occupied territory, disrupting drone operations. Kyiv is in talks with SpaceX and seeking information from the US Defense Department to resolve the issue.