GomSpace and HIMERA begin satellite tests for Ukraine’s independent communications network

Ukraine’s HIMERA and Denmark’s GomSpace began operating OBRIA NANO, a test satellite intended to validate technologies for an independently controlled Ukrainian communications constellation. The spacecraft launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission on October 1, 2026, and the partners said orbital testing was progressing according to plan. The proposed OBRIA network would provide coverage across Ukraine while complementing European communications systems and reducing reliance on external providers. Future plans include local production of satellites and ground terminals in Ukraine, but the current mission is a technology demonstration and does not establish that a complete operational constellation has been deployed.