At least 100 satellites, fast but maybe not as fast as Starlink: a Ukrainian firm sizes up a satellite network for Ukraine’s military
Its CEO says the timeline hinges on launch queues and scarce ground terminals, and later stages could cost far more than the privately funded test satellite.
A Ukrainian satellite firm aims to create a network for Ukraine's military, requiring at least 100 satellites for basic coverage in its initial phase, according to Himera's CEO. The project could cost billions and take one to two years to complete, contingent upon various risks. Heavier satellites, weighing about 250 kg, contrast with the lighter Obria Nano test unit at roughly 10 kg.
The network will offer high-speed communication and low-latency video, tailored for moving vehicles. Despite potential competition with Starlink, it is meant to serve Ukraine's military, defense agencies, and other state entities first. According to Himera's CEO, the network won't accommodate as many users as Starlink currently does in Ukraine, but this wasn't the project's primary objective.
The first test satellite, launched by a private consortium on 1 October via SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission, didn't receive state funding. The next stages will likely require tens and hundreds of millions, potentially billions of euros.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
