HIMERA CEO Misha Rudominsky revealed key technical details, mission financing issues, and the deployment strategy for the future satellite network.
HIMERA CEO Misha Rudominsky revealed key technical details, mission financing issues, and the deployment strategy for the future satellite network.
As Misha Rudominsky told dev.ua, OBRIA NANO is a CubeSat 8U communication nanosatellite (eight units measuring 10×10×10 cm each). The device was physically manufactured in Denmark by GomSpace at the request of the Ukrainian side.
The satellite was launched into orbit on October 1, 2026, as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission, and on October 2, the team recorded the first signals and confirmed the establishment of initial communication. The mission is currently in the process of checking onboard systems, configuring equipment, and analyzing telemetry.
The exact cost of developing the satellite and purchasing a slot on a SpaceX rocket remains a trade secret. It is known that the participants financed the implementation of the first stage with their own resources.
The creation of the next stages of the satellite constellation will be carried out exclusively with the funds of external investors and through lending. HIMERA emphasizes that at the stage of creating the network, the initiative does not plan to attract Ukrainian state funds. At the same time, since the spring of 2026, the partners have held a series of confidential meetings with Ukrainian government departments to agree on a vision and lay the foundation for the development of the mission.
"GomSpace provided the manufacturing of OBRIA NANO and is a technological partner of the project. Its expertise in the field of small satellites, on-board systems, and space mission management will help Ukrainian participants gain practical experience and develop their own competencies. HIMERA is one of the initiators of the project and a participant in the initiative. The company is involved in the development of satellite infrastructure, using its experience in creating secure communication solutions," noted the CEO of HIMERA.
The specific timing of the deployment of a full-fledged satellite constellation is not disclosed at this time. The rate of scaling will depend on the results of the ongoing OBRIA NANO tests, the selected technical solutions, and the readiness of the ground infrastructure.
Rudominsky noted that the OBRIA initiative remains open to new participants: "The initiative considers the development of partnerships as an important element of the future scaling of the project. The Ukrainian network should complement the capabilities of European satellite systems in the future. We will announce specific new partnerships after the relevant agreements are approved."
