Ukrainian Satellite Communications: Plans Becoming Reality
The Ukrainian satcom constellation project UASAT LEO has moved into the implementation phase. Ukraine is returning to space. The launch of the first satellite is already scheduled for October 2026.
There is probably no one left today who is unaware of Starlink and its role in Ukraine’s successful defense against the aggressor’s invasion. High-speed satellite communications have transformed the battlefield, ushering in the era of “Drone warfare.” The successful use of the OneWeb satellite network and other systems has likewise demonstrated the critical role of satellite communications in large-scale military conflict.
At the same time, Ukraine’s critical dependence on private satellite service operators has become increasingly evident. And although Ukraine has always been deeply involved in advanced space technologies, few believed until recently that a sovereign Ukrainian satellite communications system was even feasible. But, as so often happens, a group of like-minded Ukrainians decided that nothing here was impossible…
The Ukrainian company STETMAN, operator of the UASAT satellite communications system, has developed its own low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation project, UASAT LEO. Against the backdrop of rapidly increasing accessibility of satellite technologies and a true global boom in satellite manufacturing, the company found a way to turn the idea into a viable reality.
A key feature of the project is the integration of capabilities, technologies, and needs of all participants. Low-Earth-orbit satellites inevitably cover the territories of multiple countries. Most of these countries share essentially the same need for sovereign national communications. Today’s technological accessibility makes it possible not only to implement such a project quickly, but to design it from the outset in a way that is economically beneficial for all project participants.
The UASAT LEO project quickly received support from the Ukrainian government as well as from companies in partner countries. Recently, relevant European Union institutions have also expressed their support for the project. Leading global companies are involved in the development and production of its technological solutions.
From concept and words, the project has moved rapidly toward execution. The joint efforts of developers, manufacturers, and project partners have placed UASAT LEO on a clear launch trajectory. Recently, STETMAN officially registered the first satellite of the UASAT constellation in accordance with the rules of the international regulator, the ITU. This marked the first registration of a truly Ukrainian satellite in a very long time.
The launch of the first Ukrainian communications satellite, which will be critical for testing and validating the technologies, is already planned for October 2026. Launch capacity has already been reserved, and the satellite itself has been named UASAT-NANO.
UASAT LEO is intended to provide a dedicated satellite network for sovereign communications for Ukraine and its partner countries. The project also includes the development and production of modern satcom terminals. As such, the project is expected to become a key solution for ensuring reliable, independent communications in line with national needs.
This is not about commercial competition with global operators such as Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon LEO, or others. Ukraine, like its partner countries, requires its own reliable communications to support critical civilian and defense needs. UASAT LEO is being created precisely for this purpose.
It is also impossible not to highlight the historic significance of UASAT LEO — Ukraine is returning to space. Its own satellites, its own network, its own communication terminals, and its own infrastructure. All of this will provide a powerful boost to the development of national space technologies. But above all, it will deliver what matters most: reliable, sovereign, independent, and high-quality communications.
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