OBRIA NANO marks the first historical step towards establishing resilient and sovereign satellite communications capabilities for Ukraine.
The satellite was launched as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission earlier this month. Testing of the OBRIA constellation capabilities is reportedly progressing, according to both companies. Testing is expected to inform the design of the operational system, advancing OBRIA towards a Ukrainian national infrastructure.
The satellite has reportedly been launched in response to recent dependence on technologies from other countries, including partner countries, which can create strategic risks, particularly during wartime.
Developing domestic capabilities will help Ukraine diversify its communications channels and strengthen its strategic security. OBRIA NANO will operate under the control of a Ukrainian operator and serve Ukraine’s strategic security needs, according to Misha Rudominski, co-founder and CEO of HIMERA.
“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,” Rudominski said.
“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.”
In the long term, the initiative plans to deploy a satellite network that will provide communications coverage across Ukraine and complement the capabilities of European satellite networks. This will lay the groundwork for an independent Ukrainian satellite communications system serving the country’s strategic security interests.
An important next step will be localising satellite and ground communications terminal production in Ukraine. This will help develop domestic expertise in satellite communications and gradually expand Ukraine’s manufacturing capabilities.
“We are excited to work with HIMERA and accelerate this important initiative. Our shared ambition is to strengthen Ukraine’s independent communications capabilities and support the country’s long-term security and economic development,” said Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace.
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