Belarus has begun testing Russia’s Rassvet satellite communications, Deputy Communications Minister Tkach says

First Deputy Communications Minister Pavel Tkach said that several devices of the Russian low-orbit satellite system Rassvet have been handed over for testing in Belarus. The system is described as a Russian analogue of Starlink.

According to Tkach, the equipment will first be checked by special agencies, in particular the Emergencies Ministry. Civilian use will be considered there after the next batch of devices arrives. It was not stated when that will happen.

Rassvet is designed for broadband data transmission. It uses an orbital constellation, ground stations and subscriber terminals.

According to the announced plans, local tests and the first trial connections are to be completed by the end of 2026. A full commercial launch is planned for 2027.

In August 2026, the Ukrainian outlet my.ua reported that Russia had put the first batch of 16 Rassvet satellites into orbit and sped up the deployment of the network. At the same time, expert.in.ua wrote that two satellites launched on 20 July had failed to raise their orbit.

For a full launch, the satellite constellation has to be enlarged. As an example of where such communications would be useful, Tkach cited the hurricane in Mazyr, which caused power supply outages.