Ukraine's Obria Project Launches First Satellite to Reduce Starlink Dependence

Ukrainian communications equipment manufacturer Himera and Danish space firm GomSpace have successfully launched their first communications satellite into orbit. This milestone, achieved in early October 2026, marks the public debut of the Obria project, a strategic initiative designed to provide Ukrainian institutions with a partial alternative to the US-based Starlink network.

The project was developed in response to growing concerns about the potential for political pressure through the restriction of Starlink access along the front lines. By establishing a network owned and operated under Ukrainian law, the consortium seeks to ensure that key state institutions can function without external consultation. Himera founder Misha Rudominskyi stated that the constant restrictions on military use of Starlink reinforced the urgent need for a sovereign solution.

The initial spacecraft, designated Obria NANO, was placed into low Earth orbit as part of SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission. Weighing only 10 kilograms, this unit serves as a technology demonstrator rather than a full-scale operational satellite. Its primary role is to test core components, prepare ground infrastructure, and train the team responsible for future network operations. Rudominskyi noted that telemetry was received on the second day after orbit insertion, though final results are expected within a few months as the one-year testing program unfolds.

The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit that passes over Ukraine once daily. While the ideal communication window lasts 15 minutes, engineers anticipate using approximately 50 to 60 percent of that time for stable contact. This limited connectivity is sufficient for testing purposes, although the team is also exploring practical applications for the platform during its operational window.

The long-term vision for Obria involves deploying a massive constellation to provide stable 24/7 coverage. At the initial stage, the project estimates that at least 100 satellites are required for basic continuous coverage across the country. These mass-produced units will weigh around 250 kilograms each and are planned to be launched in batches of dozens per mission. The system is designed to support video streaming with minimal latency and terminals capable of operating on moving vehicles.

While the new network aims to serve government and military priorities, it is not intended to replace all civilian Starlink usage immediately. With over 150,000 active Starlink terminals in Ukraine, the Obria team acknowledges it will be a long time before they can serve that volume simultaneously. Their focus remains on critical infrastructure and defense needs, where independence from US decision-making is paramount.

Several logistical and technical challenges remain. Access to launch capacity is a significant hurdle, with SpaceX waitlists currently estimated at 22 months. Additionally, the global supply chain for satellite components is constrained, with only five major manufacturers existing worldwide. Rudominskyi highlighted that satellite communication terminals are currently the biggest bottleneck, as production lead times can reach three years. To mitigate this, the consortium plans to establish its own production facilities.

The first phase of the project was funded entirely by private consortium members, including Himera and GomSpace, without government involvement. Future stages will require tens or hundreds of millions, potentially reaching billions of euros. Funding is expected to come from private investment and EU-Ukraine cooperation programs. The next 12 months will focus on training personnel, identifying urgent national needs, and securing the necessary financial and political support to move forward.

The project represents a significant step toward technological independence for Ukraine. By combining Ukrainian management with European expertise, the Obria initiative aims to create a resilient communications backbone. The success of the initial test satellite will determine the pace of deployment, but the framework for a sovereign space network is now firmly established in orbit.