The key facts

  • Ukraine has conducted at least three tests of systems for intercepting targets in near-Earth space
  • The first test satellite, Obria Nano, was launched in October; the plan is to deploy a constellation of approximately 245 satellites
  • Verkhovna Rada deputy Fedor Venislavsky identified funding as a serious challenge for the project

Own space infrastructure instead of Starlink

Ukraine is accelerating work on its own space infrastructure to reduce dependence on the American satellite system Starlink. The Guardian reports this citing data on Kyiv's military program. According to the publication, Ukraine has conducted at least three tests of systems for intercepting targets in near-Earth space; meanwhile, its own satellite constellation is being deployed.

First test satellite and plans for 245 units

In October, Ukraine and the Danish company GomSpace announced the successful launch of the Obria Nano satellite—the first test unit for Ukraine's communication system, which, according to preliminary plans, is expected to include approximately 245 satellites. Verkhovna Rada deputy Fedor Venislavsky described the space sector as being of 'decisive importance' for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and stated: 'This is a priority task. We have already demonstrated launches of exoatmospheric systems and are working on putting them into serial production.' At the same time, he emphasized that funding for the project remains a serious challenge for Kyiv.

Context: alternatives to Starlink in the EU and Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that various countries are developing their own versions of satellite communication systems similar to Starlink. In October, Le Monde reportedthat the European Union may connect Ukraine to its alternative to Starlink only by 2029; at that time, EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius discussed plans to deploy the European secure satellite communication system IRIS². On November 7, Reuters, citing the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, reported that Russia is already using its own Starlink analogue named 'Rassvet' over Ukrainian territory; earlier, both in Ukraine and Europe, according to Gazeta.Ru, concerns were expressed regarding this project.