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Ukraine Puts First Test Satellite for Its Own Communications Network Into Orbit
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Ukrainian radio maker HIMERA and Danish nanosatellite company GomSpace have put into orbit OBRIA NANO, the first test satellite for an independent Ukrainian communications network.
HIMERA told Militarnyi on October 27 that the satellite launched on October 1, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission.
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The company said that the satellite “is successfully undergoing tests of the OBRIA constellation’s capabilities in line with the plan.” The technical trials are intended to provide the company with the practical experience it needs to develop the project and integrate it into Ukraine’s national infrastructure.
A Ukrainian operator will control OBRIA NANO, and the satellite will serve the country’s strategic security. HIMERA co-founder and CEO Misha Rudominskyi described the launch as a first step. “This is an opportunity to lay the foundation of Ukraine’s independent communications network,” he stated.
“We are starting by testing the technology in orbit, and our long-term goal is to develop capabilities that will strengthen the state’s strategic security and reduce dependence on external communications service providers,” Rudominskyi said.
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The initiative envisions a constellation of satellites that covers all of Ukraine and complements European satellite networks. HIMERA noted that building such capabilities at home will help Ukraine diversify its communication channels and strengthen its strategic security.
GomSpace CEO Carsten Drachmann welcomed the partnership. “Our shared goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s independent communications potential and to support its long-term security and economic development,” he added.
The next major stage will be localizing the production of satellites and ground terminals in Ukraine.
Denmark’s support for Ukraine’s push to build strategic capabilities beyond the reach of Russian strikes extends well beyond space.
On October 21, Copenhagen agreed to guarantee a $112.6 million loan to the Danish subsidiary of Fire Point, the Ukrainian manufacturer behind the FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile.
The state backing, provided through Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund (EIFO), was needed because the war prevents the company from borrowing on ordinary commercial terms.
Fire Point is preparing to produce long-range missile fuel in Denmark, with the facility expected to begin operations by the end of 2027.
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