In the coming years, satellite Internet in Russia could reach speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second per user terminal as a result of deploying a cluster of satellites. This projection came from Ksenia Lazarenko, the head of the space company Bureau 1440, during a recent interview with RIA Novosti. Lazarenko emphasized that the enterprise does not aim to replace telecom operators but rather to cooperate with them. She noted that once the targeted service goes live, speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second per subscriber terminal are on the table, marking a potential step-change in how users access online services from space.
The broader vision involves global satellite Internet coverage built from a constellation of 292 spacecraft, including spare units to ensure reliability and continuity of service. At present, six satellites from Bureau 1440’s Rassvet-1 and Rassvet-2 missions are already operating in space, serving as a proving ground for the system’s core capabilities. The Rassvet-1 mission is described by the company’s leader as a crucial test bed. Its primary aim is to validate the engineering team’s ability to design satellites optimized for low Earth orbit, along with robust control systems and the flight readiness of the initial foundational components of the network.
According to Lazarenko, the underlying technology has proven capable in space and is ready for scale. She indicated that the organization is actively moving toward mass production, with a timetable setting the start of large-scale manufacturing for 2027. The broader initiative aligns with a wider push in the space sector to augment terrestrial networks with high-capacity, spaceborne broadband capabilities that can deliver consistent performance across diverse geographic areas.
The company’s planning and public statements suggest a measured approach to market entry. Rather than pursuing a direct, head-to-head challenge with existing telecom operators, Bureau 1440 intends to complement and collaborate with them, leveraging joint opportunities and ensuring compatibility with ongoing terrestrial services. This collaborative stance is framed as a pathway to broader adoption, reducing barriers for potential customers while maintaining high standards of service reliability and security.
Market observers note that achieving a global coverage target of this magnitude requires careful synchronization of satellite design, propulsion, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. Each satellite must operate seamlessly within the overall architecture, maintaining low latency, stable throughput, and resilience to space weather and orbital debris. The Rassvet missions are positioned as essential milestones that validate both the technical feasibility and the operational readiness of the proposed network. The emphasis remains on practical deployment steps, demonstrated performance, and a clear route to mass production that could bring commercial services to a wider audience.
Industry analysts also point to the need for scalable manufacturing processes, efficient launch logistics, and a robust supply chain to support a constellation of this size. While the stated goal is ambitious, the company frames it within a realistic timeline that balances technological readiness with market demand. This approach reflects a broader trend in the space sector, where new entrants are increasingly aligning with established players to accelerate the delivery of high-speed Internet from orbit. The evolution of this project will likely be watched closely in Canada and the United States, where consumer interest in expanding access to fast, reliable broadband remains strong and competitive dynamics are continually shifting.