Ukraine's Sovereign Satellite Now Operating in Orbit

Ukraine's HIMERA and Denmark's GomSpace (NASDAQ: GOMX) have launched OBRIA NANO – the first test satellite for a future independent Ukrainian communications network – into orbit and have already commenced operation.

OBRIA NANO marks the first historical step toward establishing resilient and sovereign satellite communications capabilities for Ukraine.

The satellite was launched as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission on October 1, 2026. It is progressing testing the OBRIA constellation capabilities according to plan. It will support technical testing intended to inform the design of the operational system, advancing OBRIA towards a Ukrainian national infrastructure.

Dependence on technologies from other countries, including partner countries, creates 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.

"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. 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," says Misha Rudominski, Co-founder and CEO of HIMERA.

"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," says Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace.

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 localizing satellite and ground communications terminal production in Ukraine. This will help develop domestic expertise in satellite communications and gradually expand Ukraine's manufacturing capabilities.