A Russian satellite from the Rassvet low-orbit constellation, previously considered lost, has begun to increase its altitude. According to data from the US-based NORAD tracking system, the spacecraft raised its orbit from 221 km to 295 km over a nine-day period.
Experts had previously predicted the satellite would re-enter the atmosphere and burn up due to its low altitude. The unexpected maneuver allowed the craft to avoid destruction. The specific technical reasons for the orbit change remain unknown, as such recovery maneuvers for damaged satellites are uncommon.
The Rassvet constellation currently consists of 32 satellites. Initially, it was expected that three units would be lost due to orbital decay, but current data suggests that number may drop to two. There is a possibility that these remaining units could also perform similar maneuvers to stabilize their orbits.
The project aims to expand the Rassvet network significantly in the coming years. While the current fleet is limited to 32 satellites, plans are in place to increase the total number of spacecraft in the constellation to 300 by 2028.
