Ukrainian startup Himera and Danish satellite manufacturer GomSpace began operating their Obria Nano satellite in orbit after launching it Oct. 1 aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission. The companies announced the development Oct. 27.
Obria Nano is currently undergoing tests in orbit. Himera and GomSpace plan to design a constellation that would provide communications coverage across Ukraine. The project aims to establish a communications system under Ukrainian control, with plans to eventually manufacture satellites and ground terminals domestically.
"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," said Misha Rudominski, Himera's co-founder and chief executive.
The initiative follows disruptions to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services in mid-October that affected Ukrainian military operations. Ukraine has relied heavily on SpaceX satellite services for battlefield communications, drone operations, and military command networks since Russia's invasion in 2022.
The announcement also follows a separate effort. Finnish satellite manufacturer Iceye and telecommunications equipment maker Nokia signed a letter of intent with Ukraine's Defense Ministry on Oct. 22 to explore developing a sovereign broadband satellite communications network.
The companies said neither European constellation is expected to replace Starlink's global network. Smaller national constellations could provide dedicated communications for selected military operations while supplementing commercial services.
Himera, founded in 2022, develops secure tactical radio systems for military forces. GomSpace, headquartered in Aalborg, Denmark, manufactures small satellites, communications payloads and spacecraft subsystems.
The companies did not disclose Obria Nano's specifications, communications capacity, project financing, or the number of satellites planned for the constellation.