Science & Tech · Space · 4 hrs ago
Ukraine tests satellite technology for a communications network under national control
Ukraine is testing satellite technology it could control independently to reduce reliance on foreign communications services.
The project involves Ukrainian defence technology company Himera and Danish spacecraft maker GomSpace, which developed the experimental Obria Nano satellite.
Starlink has been an important communications channel for Ukrainian military units since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.
A disruption to Starlink exposed the risks of relying on one provider, affecting Ukrainian connectivity and drone operations.
Obria Nano entered orbit on October 1 aboard a SpaceX rideshare mission, and testing began later that month.
The test results are expected to guide designs for more satellites in a planned constellation intended to cover Ukraine.
Himera and GomSpace also envisage eventually making spacecraft and ground terminals in Ukraine, but they have not disclosed technical details or how many satellites the network would need.
The planned network is not expected to replace Starlink; it could provide dedicated links for some defence activities, with further development depending on the test results.
Ukraine is testing satellite technology intended to support a communications network under national control.
Ukrainian defence technology company Himera and Danish spacecraft maker GomSpace developed the experimental Obria Nano satellite.
The project follows interruptions to SpaceX services used by Ukrainian forces, which exposed risks in relying heavily on one provider.
Obria Nano entered orbit on October 1 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission, and testing was underway by October 27.
The companies say test results will help guide plans for additional satellites, but they have not released key technical or financial details.
- Who
- Himera and GomSpace are testing the Obria Nano satellite.
- What
- They are testing technology for a future Ukrainian communications network under national control.
- When
- Obria Nano entered orbit on October 1, 2026. Testing was announced on October 27.
- Where
- In orbit; the planned network is intended to provide communications coverage across Ukraine.
- Why
- Ukraine aims to reduce reliance on external communications providers after interruptions to SpaceX services exposed risks in depending on one provider.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Obria Nano entered orbit aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
Restrictions on SpaceX services disrupted Ukrainian connectivity and interfered with military drone operations.
Ukraine said Starlink and Starshield connections had returned to normal speeds.
Himera and GomSpace announced that Obria Nano testing was underway.
- Satellite
- Obria Nano
- Ukrainian company
- Himera
- Danish company
- GomSpace
- Launch date
- October 1, 2026
- Rideshare mission
- SpaceX Transporter-18
- Testing announced
- October 27, 2026
What people are saying
For us, this project is about more than launching a satellite. It is an opportunity to lay the foundation for an independent communications network for Ukraine
We are starting by testing technologies in orbit, while our long-term goal is to develop capabilities that will strengthen the country’s strategic security and reduce dependence on external communications providers