{
  "id": 18384894,
  "title": "Ukraine takes bold step toward satellite independence following Starlink disruption — partnering with European makers to launch its own sovereign orbital mesh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/ukraine-takes-bold-step-toward-satellite-independence-following",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T22:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/science/space/ukraine-takes-bold-step-toward-satellite-independence-partnering-with-european-makers-to-launch-its-own-sovereign-orbital-mesh"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukraine is taking significant steps toward achieving satellite independence following disruptions to its reliance on commercial satellite links, particularly from SpaceX's Starlink service. The Ukrainian defence technology firm Himera and Danish spacecraft manufacturer GomSpace have embarked on testing an experimental satellite named Obria Nano. This collaboration aims to develop a future network under national control, reducing Ukraine's dependence on foreign satellite communications. The partnership follows recent Starlink service interruptions that exposed the risks of heavy dependence on one provider. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Starlink has become a crucial communication channel for Ukrainian military units, supporting battlefield coordination, drone missions, and communications in areas where Russian attacks have damaged traditional telecommunications infrastructure. Although the significance of Starlink was evident after a mid-October disruption, the cause of the restrictions remains a subject of debate, with differing accounts from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and American officials. The Obria Nano spacecraft, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission on October 1, is currently undergoing orbital testing. Himera and GomSpace anticipate that the results from these tests will inform the development of a larger constellation of satellites capable of providing communications coverage across Ukraine. In the long term, the companies plan to manufacture spacecraft and ground terminals within Ukraine, aiming to bolster the country's strategic security and lessen dependence on external communications providers. Although Obria Nano is not expected to replace Starlink's broader geographic coverage and established operational capacity, it could provide dedicated links for specific defense activities while allowing commercial satellite services to address additional communication needs. Himera's co-founder and CEO, Misha Rudominski, emphasized that the primary objective of the project is to establish technical capabilities for enhanced national control over communications infrastructure.",
  "summary": "Ukraine has begun testing an experimental satellite to explore alternatives to its dependence on Starlink.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukraine partners with Himera and GomSpace for satellite independence.",
    "Obria Nano satellite tested for national control communications.",
    "Project aims to reduce dependence on foreign satellite providers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Interfax-Ukraine",
        "title": "Sánchez: Weakening Ukraine would mean weakening European project",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/sanchez-weakening-ukraine-would-mean-weakening-european-project",
        "published": "2026-11-05T16:25:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}