Ukrainian satellite communications company Stetman is advancing a $1.1 billion plan to deploy a nationally controlled 360-satellite constellation beginning in 2027, a project aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on foreign-operated services like SpaceX’s Starlink.
According to United24, DatacenterDynamics reported on July 23 that the proposed network is designed to place satellite communications directly under the control of Ukraine’s government and armed forces. The system is being developed to withstand electronic warfare and ensure secure connectivity independent of external providers.
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Operating in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers, the constellation will initially serve state and military users, with access for Ukraine’s allies planned at a later stage. Stetman aims to launch the first 120 satellites with SpaceX in 2027, with full deployment of the 360 satellites expected by 2030. No formal arrangements have been announced for the launch of the remaining 240 satellites.
According to a Stetman representative, the $1.1 billion estimated cost covers the constellation, software, launch services, broker fees, and staff salaries.
The project is being developed through a joint venture called UASAT with Danish satellite manufacturer GomSpace. Kateryna Diachenko, the new head of Stetman, recently met with GomSpace executives during the EU-Ukraine Business Summit in Brussels to reaffirm their commitment to the partnership. The meeting follows the June 13 death of Stetman founder Dmytro Stetsenko.
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The companies also plan to establish a satellite manufacturing facility in Ukraine, with work expected to begin next year provided financing remains on schedule.
Russian counterpart “Rassvet” development
The Ukrainian initiative parallels Russian efforts to develop a domestic low-Earth orbit satellite internet service, known as Rassvet, which serves as Moscow’s planned alternative to Starlink.
Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440 recently confirmed the loss of one of its first operational satellites launched in March. The company stated to the state-controlled outlet Kommersant that 15 of the 16 satellites from the initial operational batch remain in orbit and are functioning normally.
The Rassvet project is funded through Russia’s national “Data Economy” program, with plans to allocate approximately $1.3 billion from the federal budget, while Bureau 1440 is expected to contribute an additional $4.2 billion.
Bureau 1440 aims to deploy 292 satellites by 2030 out of a scheduled 383, and plans to launch commercial services by 2027.
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