All 16 of Russia's latest satellites for its Starlink rival failed to reach their intended orbit

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-02T09:06:42.371Z • Permanent link

Russia's latest satellite launch attempt has ended in disaster, with all 16 satellites intended for its Rassvet-3 constellation failing to reach their intended orbit. According to sources, the satellites were launched on a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on August 26. However, the launch vehicle experienced technical difficulties, resulting in the loss of the entire payload. The Rassvet-3 constellation is a key component of Russia's efforts to develop a domestic satellite network, with the goal of competing with SpaceX's Starlink and other global satellite constellations.

The failure is attributed to a combination of factors, including a faulty engine and a malfunctioning guidance system. Russian space agency Roscosmos has confirmed that the launch was unsuccessful, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the failure. The agency has also announced that it will launch a replacement launch attempt in the near future. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the Rassvet-3 program, stating that it is an important step towards Russia's goal of becoming a major player in the global satellite industry.

The failure of the Rassvet-3 launch has significant implications for Russia's space program and its efforts to develop a domestic satellite network. The launch was seen as a crucial test of Russia's ability to launch satellites into orbit and provide them with the necessary services to support global communication and navigation systems. The failure raises questions about the reliability of Russia's space program and its ability to compete with other major players in the industry.

The failure of the Rassvet-3 launch has significant implications for the global satellite industry, particularly for companies that rely on Russian technology and services. Companies such as Otkritie Bank, which has partnered with Roscosmos to develop a domestic satellite network, will be affected by the failure. The launch was seen as a critical component of the bank's efforts to provide satellite-based financial services to customers in Russia and beyond. The failure raises questions about the bank's ability to meet its commitments and provide the necessary services to its customers.

The failure of the Rassvet-3 launch also has implications for the research community, which relies on satellite data to study the Earth's climate, weather patterns, and natural resources. Russia's satellite program has been an important contributor to the global satellite community, and the failure of the Rassvet-3 launch raises concerns about the country's ability to provide the necessary data and services to support scientific research. The failure of the launch is a setback for the research community, which will have to rely on alternative sources of data to support its research.

The failure of the Rassvet-3 launch is part of a larger pattern of challenges facing Russia's space program. The country has faced significant setbacks in recent years, including the failure of a series of launches and the loss of several satellites. These setbacks have raised concerns about the reliability of Russia's space program and its ability to compete with other major players in the industry. The Rassvet-3 program is just one example of the challenges facing Russia's space program, which has been trying to develop a domestic satellite network for several years.