Ukraine, Russia race to build military satellite networks as war rages on
Summary
Ukraine is developing military satellite capabilities to reduce its armed forces’ reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink network. A Ukrainian-Danish nanosatellite has reached orbit, and Kyiv has asked Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE to explore a military satellite network as Starlink service disruptions affect communications near the front.Key Facts
- Ukraine’s Obria Nano nanosatellite was developed by Ukrainian company Himera and Danish manufacturer GomSpace.
- The Obria Nano reached orbit nearly four weeks before Himera announced it on October 27.
- Ukraine signed agreements with Nokia and ICEYE in mid-October to explore developing a military satellite network.
- Ukraine’s military communications rely heavily on Starlink, which SpaceX operates with more than 10,000 low-orbit satellites.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said limits on Starlink and Starshield speeds caused significant disruptions along the front line.
- Starlink service in Ukraine was also disrupted the previous month.
- Russia reportedly smuggled thousands of Starlink terminals and used them for communications and drone attacks.
- In February, Musk restricted service in Ukraine to certified modems, ending the use of smuggled terminals.
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