Ukrainian startup and GomSpace begin testing experimental communications satellite
Ukrainian defense technology company Himera and Danish satellite manufacturer GomSpace have begun orbital testing of an experimental spacecraft to develop a Ukrainian satellite network.
FTMQ Space, written by our newsroom0 views
Ukrainian defense technology company Himera and Danish satellite manufacturer GomSpace announced on October 27, 2026, that they have begun testing an experimental communications spacecraft in orbit. The Obria Nano satellite was launched on October 1, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Transporter-18 rideshare mission. SpaceNews, Informat.ro, Interfax-Ukraine, and dev.ua all reported on the joint initiative. [1][2][3][4]
The operational testing of the Obria Nano satellite is part of the broader Obria initiative. The companies plan to design a satellite constellation aimed at providing sovereign communications coverage across Ukraine, according to SpaceNews, Interfax-Ukraine, and dev.ua. [1][3][4]
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, provides space transportation services using its Falcon launch vehicles. GomSpace is a Danish manufacturer that builds small satellite platforms, including technology demonstration CubeSats for low Earth orbit operations. [5][6]
The project represents one of at least two European-backed initiatives aimed at establishing regional satellite infrastructure, according to SpaceNews. [1]
In short
- Himera and GomSpace launched the Obria Nano satellite on October 1, 2026.
- The Obria Nano satellite flew aboard a SpaceX Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
- The experimental satellite is undergoing orbital testing to design a future Ukrainian satellite network.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]Ukrainian startup, GomSpace test satellite for future communications networkSpaceNews, 5h ago (the report this story comes from)
- [2]HIMERA and GomSpace have launched OBRIA NANO, the first test satellite for the future independent Ukrainian communications networkInformat.ro, 6h ago
- [3]HIMERA, GomSpace Group launch sovereign Ukrainian satellite under OBRIA initiativeInterfax-Ukraine, 7h ago
- [4]"The Foundation for an Independent Communications Network of Ukraine." Ukrainian HIMERA and Danish GomSpace Launch OBRIA NANO Test Satellite into Orbitdev.ua, 10h ago
Background
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 6 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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