RASSVET-3 31

Description

RASSVET-3 31 is the fifteenth in a batch of 16 simultaneously launched Rassvet-3 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites. They were built for the Russian Byuro-1440 (Bureau 1440) constellation for broadband high-speed internet access in Russia.

The mission goal is to provide global broadband internet access up to 1 Gbps per terminal, serving as a Russian equivalent to Starlink. Commercial operations are targeted to begin around 2027, with plans to expand the network significantly over the next few years.

Each satellite features integrated optical laser communication terminals for inter-satellite links (ISLs). Bureau 1440 successfully tested optical data rates of 10 Gbps in orbit, allowing the spacecraft to route traffic dynamically across the fleet without relying strictly on local ground stations. The network uses Ku-band and Ka-band spectrum architectures to achieve a balance between signal penetration and raw data throughout.

The operational fleet incorporates 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communication standards. This layout paves the way for direct cellular-to-satellite messaging and standard data connectivity profiles on commercial user devices.

This was Soyuz 2.1b’s 103rd mission and the 171st orbital launch attempt of 2026.