---
title: A Ukrainian-Operated Test Satellite for a Planned National Communications Network Is Working in Orbit
description: "OBRIA NANO, a HIMERA and GomSpace test satellite, is in orbit: the start of a planned Ukrainian network meant to cut reliance on Starlink."
author: Darie Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2026-10-28T10:12:13.896Z
updated: 2026-10-28T10:12:13.908Z
canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/ukraine-obria-nano-satellite-starlink-alternative
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/gomspace-small-satellite-rendering-ukraine-obria-500760.webp
categories: Science & Tech
content_type: News
region: Ukraine
publication: Sovereign Magazine
access: members
schema_type: Article
---

A test satellite for a planned Ukrainian communications network is operating in orbit under a Ukrainian operator. OBRIA NANO launched on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission on 1 October and is running its tests to plan, according to the two companies behind it: HIMERA, a Ukrainian radio maker whose equipment is used by the country's defence forces in front-line operations, and GomSpace, a Danish nanosatellite manufacturer. GomSpace, which announced the launch on 27 October, calls it the first test satellite for a future independent Ukrainian network.

HIMERA and GomSpace say the results of the tests will feed into the design of an operational system, which they want to become part of Ukraine's national infrastructure: a network covering the whole country and working alongside European satellite networks, with the satellites and ground terminals made in Ukraine. They have not given a size or a start date for it.

"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," said Misha Rudominski, co-founder and chief executive of HIMERA.

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