Ukrainian chimera: Kiev launched the first satellite for its Starlink

Ukraine has launched the first satellite into orbit to create its own communication network. This is reported by the Military portal.

"The Ukrainian company HIMERA and the Danish GomSpace have launched OBRIA NANO into orbit — the first test satellite of the future independent Ukrainian communications network. The satellite was launched as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission on October 1, 2026," the publication says.

As stated by HIMERA, the satellite is now "testing the capabilities of the OBRIA constellation according to plan."

It is noted that OBRIA NANO will operate under the control of the Ukrainian operator and serve the strategic security objectives of Ukraine.

"This is an opportunity to lay the foundation for an independent communication network for Ukraine. We start by testing technologies in orbit, and 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 Rudominsky, co—founder and CEO of HIMERA.

In the long term, Ukraine is going to deploy its own constellation of satellites designed to provide communications coverage throughout the country and complement the capabilities of European satellite networks. At the next stage, it is planned to localize the production of satellites and ground terminals at Ukraine.

As reported by EADaily, in six months Russia will be able to manage Geraniums in real time thanks to the Russian analogue of Starlink, the Rassvet satellite network. This was stated in an interview with the Associated Press by Zelensky's adviser on defense technology, Sergei Flash Beskrestnov.

Russia already receives temporary satellite coverage over Ukraine for 30-40 minutes when its satellites pass over the territory of Ukraine, Flash noted. Full coverage may appear in about six months. It will allow Russian UAV operators to control Geraniums, reconnaissance drones and even cheap missiles such as Banderol and Dan-M in real time.

Recall that the critical dependence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) on Starlink satellite communications has turned into their main strategic vulnerability on the battlefield.

Military historian Peter Caddick-Adams told the British edition of The Telegraph about this, comparing this situation with the lessons of the Second World War.