Two more satellites from Russia's Starlink analogue failed to reach their orbit
Russia's «Rassvet» satellite system, which is being created as its own Starlink analogue, has encountered new problems, writes The Moscow Times.
As noted by experts, at least two satellites launched on July 20 as part of the second group failed to reach their orbit. They descended below 300 km and will likely soon re-enter the dense layers of the atmosphere and burn up.
Three more spacecraft also unsuccessfully attempted to raise their orbit and are now at an altitude of approximately 310-330 km. Nine satellites continue maneuvers, but their orbits are approximately 200 km lower than those of the first group of Russian spacecraft at a similar flight stage.
The first group of 17 satellites was launched by the company «Buro 1440», which oversees the project, at the end of March. One of them failed to reach the desired orbit and fell in early June. Most of the others managed to be launched to an altitude slightly greater than 500 km, although the initial goal was stated as an orbit at 800 km.
The entire «Rassvet-3» system is intended to provide broadband satellite communication worldwide. However, problems with raising the orbit may shorten the lifespan of the spacecraft, as at an altitude of about 500 km, they require more fuel to maintain their position.
Russia plans to initially deploy 350 satellites and subsequently increase the constellation to 900. The commercial launch of the system is planned for 2027. Authorities are also considering its use for controlling combat drones.
Comments
Можна канечне сіюмінутна парадавацца, што некалькі варожых спутніка не змаглі падняцца на арбіту.
Але лепш паглядзець праўдзе ў вочы, што Расея іх збіраецца выкарыстоўваць супраць Украіны і прыняць контрмеры.