Ukraine tests Obria Nano satellite as it explores alternatives to Starlink

Ukraine is testing an experimental satellite as it explores alternatives to relying on external communications providers. The project brings together Ukrainian defence technology company Himera and Danish spacecraft maker GomSpace, which developed the Obria Nano spacecraft.

The satellite entered orbit aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission on October 1. Himera and GomSpace announced on October 27 that testing was underway, with results expected to guide the design of additional satellites. Their longer-term plan is a constellation providing communications coverage across Ukraine, with eventual production of spacecraft and ground terminals in the country also envisioned.

The effort follows interruptions to SpaceX services used by Ukrainian forces. Starlink has been an important communications channel since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, supporting battlefield coordination, drone missions and communications where attacks have damaged conventional infrastructure. Restrictions introduced in mid-October disrupted Ukrainian connectivity and affected operations involving military drones. Ukraine said on October 24, 2026, that Starlink and Starshield connections had returned to normal speeds. Accounts differed over who approved the restrictions.

Obria Nano remains experimental. The companies have not disclosed its technical specifications, communications capacity, financing or the planned constellation’s size. Himera co-founder and CEO Misha Rudominski said the project is intended to lay groundwork for an independent communications network and reduce reliance on external providers. The source says a smaller Ukrainian constellation would be unlikely to replace Starlink’s broader coverage and established capacity, but could provide dedicated links for selected defence activities.