--- title: "Ukraine Launches First Test Satellite for Future National Communication Network OBRIA NANO" description: "On October 1, 2026, Ukraine's HIMERA and Denmark's GomSpace launched OBRIA NANO, the first test satellite for a future national communication network. The spacecraft is undergoing testing under the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission to reduce Ukraine's dependence on external communication channels." date: 2026-10-27T15:55:25.090Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukraine-launches-test-satellite-obria-nano tags: [ukraine, satellite, obria-nano, himera, gomspace, spacex, transporter-18, starlink, space, communications] author: "Roman V." publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ukraine Launches First Test Satellite for Future National Communication Network OBRIA NANO ![SpaceX launch vehicle lifts off from the launch pad during the Transporter-18 mission to deploy the OBRIA NANO satellite](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/27/ukraina-zapustila-testovyj-sputnik-obria-nano-set-svjazi/ukraina-zapustila-testovyj-sputnik-obria-nano-set-svjazi-1.webp) ## Key Points - On October 1, 2026, HIMERA and GomSpace launched the OBRIA NANO test satellite during the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission - The satellite is undergoing orbital testing to lay the foundation for an independent Ukrainian satellite communication network - The long-term goal is to deploy a satellite network across Ukraine and localize production within the country - The launch takes place amid ongoing restrictions on the Starlink military package and frontline communication problems On October 1, 2026, Ukrainian company HIMERA, in cooperation with Danish satellite operator GomSpace, launched the OBRIA NANO spacecraft into low Earth orbit—the first test satellite that will form the basis of Ukraine's future independent satellite communication network. The launch was carried out as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission. As of October 27, 2026, the spacecraft is successfully undergoing scheduled testing of the OBRIA satellite constellation's capabilities, according to joint press releases cited by RBC-Ukraine. ### Technical Mission and Current Testing Status OBRIA NANO is not an operational communications satellite in the full sense of the word: its task is to conduct a series of orbital tests that will allow engineers to gain practical experience with the hardware and software platform underlying the OBRIA project. According to HIMERA and GomSpace, the tests are proceeding on schedule and providing the necessary dataset for the further development of the project. The satellite will be under the control of a Ukrainian operator and is intended exclusively for Ukraine's strategic security needs. This is a fundamental difference from commercial orbital services, where infrastructure management can be carried out from abroad. ### Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on External Technologies Both companies emphasize that dependence on the technologies of third countries—even allied ones—creates strategic risks that are significantly amplified in the context of an armed conflict. Deploying their own satellite competencies, in their assessment, will allow Ukraine to diversify communication channels and strengthen the state's strategic security. "For us, this project is not just a satellite launch. It is an opportunity to lay the foundation for Ukraine's independent communication network. We are starting by testing technologies in orbit, and our long-term goal is to develop capabilities that will strengthen the state's strategic security and reduce dependence on external communication suppliers," said HIMERA's CEO in a comment following the launch. ### Prospects: From Test Device to National Network In the medium term, the initiative involves deploying a satellite network capable of providing communications throughout the territory of Ukraine, as well as complementing the capabilities of existing European satellite systems. According to the authors' design, this will create the prerequisites for forming a fully independent Ukrainian satellite communication system operating in the interests of the state's strategic security. An important next stage is the localization of production for both the satellites themselves and ground terminals on the territory of Ukraine. According to HIMERA, this will accumulate domestic engineering competencies and gradually build up production capacity in the industry. ### About the Partner Companies According to the press release, HIMERA develops secure communication infrastructure for the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Danish company GomSpace, founded in 2007, is an international provider of solutions in the small satellite segment; its clients are represented in more than 60 countries worldwide. GomSpace CEO Carsten Drachmann commented on the cooperation: "We are pleased to partner with HIMERA and to have the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of this important initiative. Our shared goal is to strengthen Ukraine's independent communication potential and contribute to its long-term security and economic development." ### Background: Starlink Restrictions and Frontline Communication Issues The launch of OBRIA NANO comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions surrounding the operation of the Starlink "military package" in Ukraine. On the night of October 14, 2026, presidential advisor Serhii Beskrestnov ("Flash") reported that the operation of the Starlink military package was restricted in the country at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. Representatives of the 7th Air Assault Corps reported that units in the Huliaipole direction recorded communication issues, and during UAV flights, the signal could disappear for 10–20 seconds already at speeds of 110–120 km/h. Later, RBC-Ukraine sources in the Ministry of Defense confirmed that instances of communication loss at 161 km/h continue to be recorded, and no confirmations of the removal of restrictions have been received. Earlier, presidential advisor Dmytro Litvin stated that limits on the operation of military Starlink remain in effect despite Donald Trump's public statement about their removal. It is in this context—the fragility and controllability of external communication channels—that the launch of its own test satellite acquires additional strategic significance. ## Accounts differ ### Whether restrictions on the Starlink military package are in effect in Ukraine - **Donald Trump (USA):** Claimed that restrictions on the operation of the Starlink military package in Ukraine have been lifted. ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/himera-ta-gomspace-zapustili-orbitu-testoviy-1793114580.html)) - **Dmytro Litvin (Advisor to the President of Ukraine):** Limits on the operation of military Starlink are still in effect despite Trump's statement about their removal. ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/himera-ta-gomspace-zapustili-orbitu-testoviy-1793114580.html)) - **RBC-Ukraine sources in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine:** Instances of Starlink communication loss at 161 km/h continue to be recorded, and no confirmations of the removal of restrictions have been received. ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/himera-ta-gomspace-zapustili-orbitu-testoviy-1793114580.html)) *Where they agree:* Restrictions on the operation of the Starlink military package at speeds exceeding 160 km/h were introduced; this is confirmed by all mentioned parties. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [HIMERA и GomSpace запустили на орбиту тестовый спутник украинской сети связи](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/himera-ta-gomspace-zapustili-orbitu-testoviy-1793114580.html) - Первоисточник: пресс-релизы HIMERA и GomSpace, пересказанные РБК-Украина. Дата запуска 1 октября 2026, миссия SpaceX Transporter-18, текущие испытания — всё подтверждено обеими компаниями. Контекст по Starlink (Бескрестнов, Литвин, источники в МО) также из той же публикации. ## FAQ ### What is OBRIA NANO and when was it launched? OBRIA NANO is the first test satellite of Ukraine's future independent satellite communication network. The launch took place on October 1, 2026, as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission. The spacecraft is currently undergoing orbital testing. ### Who developed and launched the satellite? The satellite was developed by the Ukrainian company HIMERA in cooperation with Danish operator GomSpace. The launch was carried out on a SpaceX rocket as part of the Transporter-18 cluster mission. ### What is the long-term goal of the OBRIA project? To deploy a satellite network providing communications across Ukraine, complementing European satellite systems, and to localize the production of satellites and ground terminals in Ukraine. ### How is the project related to Starlink restrictions? The launch occurs against the backdrop of existing restrictions on the Starlink military package (speeds over 160 km/h), reported by presidential advisor Beskrestnov on October 14, 2026. HIMERA and GomSpace note that dependence on external communication channels creates strategic risks, motivating the creation of their own infrastructure.