Bureau 1440 identified as lead builder for Russia's Rassvet satellite network

Bureau 1440, a subsidiary of the ICS Holding IT group, is the primary contractor for Rassvet, a Russian satellite communications network designed to replace Starlink. The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (DIU) released a list of 49 Russian and Belarusian companies involved in the project on October 28. The system consists of low-Earth orbit satellites paired with ground control infrastructure, gateway stations, and user terminals for fixed and mobile use.

The DIU describes the project as a military-focused effort. Moscow intends to use Rassvet for strategic communications, command and control, and to direct strike platforms. The network will support unmanned systems and equip command posts with terminals. Russia also plans to link the satellites to a space-based targeting data system for missiles. User terminals are slated for command vehicles of the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system.

Roscosmos, the Russian state space corporation, handles the launch vehicles, upper stages, and electric propulsion engines. Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, directly oversees the project. He previously led the Gonets Satellite System, which formed a joint venture with the UK's OneWeb for low-Earth orbit communications services. Roscosmos is responsible for adapting satellites and placing them in orbit.

Entities tied to the Russian Defence Ministry manage the spaceport and coordinate project participants. They will integrate the system into military communications infrastructure. VTB, a Russian bank, is listed as an investor in the network.

The DIU noted that 23 of the 49 listed companies and institutions have not been sanctioned by the international coalition. Roscosmos is among the unsanctioned entities. The agency called for new sanctions on these firms and limits on the supply of components, equipment, and software.

Russia is deploying the system ahead of schedule. Sixteen satellites were placed in orbit in March 2026. The constellation is planned to expand to 292 satellites by 2027 and reach 924 by 2035.

The intelligence agency stated that the planned coverage is intended to include the territory of Ukraine and the EU. It warned that once sufficient coverage is achieved, Russia could use the system in hybrid acts of aggression against other countries.