Destroyed in just 102 days in orbit! Russia’s Starlink alternative plagued by failures—can the glory of Soviet spaceflight be revived?
While many are familiar with Elon Musk’s Starlink, Russia has been determined to build its own low-orbit satellite internet constellation—the Dawn project, dubbed the “Russian Starlink” by international observers.
Yet recently, another setback has emerged for this ambitious initiative.
The satellite designated Dawn-317 successfully launched on July 19 aboard a Soyuz rocket, weighing 370 kilograms.
Unexpectedly, it remained in orbit for only 102 days before its trajectory steadily decayed, plummeting to as low as 181 kilometers above Earth, ultimately disintegrating upon reentry into the atmosphere.
To date, out of 32 Dawn satellites deployed, two have already been confirmed lost and destroyed.
According to design specifications, such low-orbit satellites are expected to operate for several years, with some capable of lasting up to seven. A failure within three months constitutes a serious anomaly in the eyes of aerospace experts.
Experts suspect the root cause likely lies in the satellite’s propulsion system. Low Earth orbit is not a perfect vacuum; even thin atmospheric drag continuously pulls satellites downward, requiring periodic orbital adjustments via onboard engines to maintain stability.
The current concern is that the failed satellite’s engine may never have activated at all, leaving it vulnerable to gradual atmospheric decay until inevitable destruction.
The 1440th Research Institute, responsible for development, has remained silent. With special authorization, technical details surrounding the failure have not been disclosed publicly, and no official statement has been issued, fueling speculation across media and technical circles.
Many still hold the assumption that military-grade systems are inherently more reliable than civilian counterparts. Yet aerospace experts offer a sobering assessment: secrecy does not equate to operational success.
Due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, much of Russia’s aerospace infrastructure remains rooted in technology developed during the 1960s. Even the widely recognized Soyuz spacecraft traces its foundational design back to 1967. Past advancements relied heavily on imported components—an avenue now largely closed.
An online comparison has drawn particular attention: Putin once described Musk as a genius, while Musk’s office reportedly features a portrait of Sergei Korolev, the legendary Soviet space pioneer. Yet looking backward, where are today’s successors to figures like Korolev, Glushko, and Yangel—the luminaries who once defined Soviet space excellence?
The issue extends beyond the absence of a few top-tier designers. In the 1960s, space exploration was a national priority, attracting vast numbers of young engineers and scientists. This broad talent pool made it easier to cultivate exceptional minds. Today, the sector holds significantly less appeal, compounded by a state-owned monopoly structure that stifles innovation. Future decade-long plans appear conservative; even modest missions are repeatedly encountering setbacks.
Experts anticipate significant challenges for Russia’s next space station following the retirement of the International Space Station. Should construction proceed, the resulting facility would likely fall far short of current orbital station capabilities.
Russia’s once-dominant space program, which once claimed countless firsts and shone brightly across the cosmos, now stands at a critical juncture.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880882398909443/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.