STOCKHOLM – October 27, 2026 -- Ukraine's HIMERA and Denmark's GomSpace have placed OBRIA NANO, the first test satellite for a planned independent Ukrainian communications network, into orbit, and it has already begun operating.
OBRIA NANO launched on SpaceX Transporter-18 on October 1, 2026
The satellite is testing capabilities of the OBRIA constellation and is progressing according to plan. The technical tests are intended to inform the design of the operational system and move OBRIA toward a Ukrainian national infrastructure. A Ukrainian operator will control the satellite, which will serve the country's strategic security needs.
Wartime dependence on foreign technology drives the push for sovereignty
The companies cite strategic risks from reliance on technologies supplied by other countries, including partner countries, particularly during wartime. Domestic capabilities are meant to diversify Ukraine's communications channels and strengthen its strategic security.
HIMERA co-founder and CEO Misha Rudominski said the long-term goal is to develop capabilities that reduce dependence on external communications providers. GomSpace CEO Carsten Drachmann said the shared ambition is to strengthen Ukraine's independent communications capabilities and support its long-term security and economic development.
Planned constellation would cover Ukraine and complement European networks
In the long term, the initiative plans to deploy a satellite network providing communications coverage across Ukraine. The network would complement European satellite networks and lay the groundwork for an independent Ukrainian satellite communications system.
The next step is localizing production of satellites and ground communications terminals in Ukraine. The companies expect this to build domestic expertise in satellite communications and gradually expand Ukraine's manufacturing capabilities.