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Олександр КузьменкоSpaceTech
14 May 2025, 13:48
2025-05-14
"Space is no longer a luxury — it is becoming more accessible." The Ministry of Defense answered the most popular questions about the newly created Space Policy Department
At the end of March, at the International Forum «Space for Ukraine», Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernogorenko announced the launch of the Space Policy Department. Today, the Ministry of Defense explained what the concept of «military space» means and whether space initiatives are within the budget of the Ukrainian state budget.
At the end of March, at the International Forum «Space for Ukraine», Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernogorenko announced the launch of the Space Policy Department. Today, the Ministry of Defense explained what the concept of «military space» means and whether space initiatives are within the budget of the Ukrainian state budget.
Changes in Ukraine’s military space began on December 30, 2024, when the Ministry of Defense presented a plan for the development of space infrastructure with the participation of the General Staff, the State Space Agency of Ukraine, the Institute of Space Research, and the Office of Changes of the Ministry of Defense.
As explained by the defense department, «military space» refers to the use of space technologies, infrastructure, and facilities to meet military needs and goals.
«This is not about weapons in space, but primarily about the use of satellites and space systems. In modern warfare, control of space and the development of space capabilities are becoming critically important. That is why many countries are creating separate space commands or forces», — the Ministry of Defense noted.
Why is the Space Policy Office needed?
The Ministry of Defense identifies three key needs of Ukraine in space:
Satellite communication, which is a key element for drone operations over long distances.
Intelligence. Satellite data allows you to detect enemy movements, analyze their logistical routes, composition and concentration of forces, and identify vulnerable areas.
Early warning of missile threats. Thanks to satellites, it is possible to create a system that will report a threat from the sky much earlier.
The Defense Space Policy Directorate will ensure the coherence of efforts in the field of military space and will become a platform for interaction with all participants in the space ecosystem. These include the Ukrainian military, scientists, space commercial enterprises and state institutions related to space, and partners from other countries.
The department will improve the regulatory framework to minimize bureaucracy, collaborate with scientific institutions, R&D centers, and developers, and establish strategic coordination of space support for combat operations.
It is noted that Russia has had the Aerospace Forces since 2015, which emerged after the merger of the Air Force and the Aerospace Defense Forces. The occupiers have about 200 satellites and 150,000 military personnel servicing this system.
«Instead, Ukraine currently has one device — the „People’s Satellite,“ which was developed by the ICEYE company and purchased by the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation with funds from citizens' donations. Thanks to it and the support of partners, the Ukrainian military is able to counter threats. But this is not enough — Ukraine must move from the role of a consumer to a full-fledged player in the space sector», — the Ministry of Defense says.
It was previously reported that Ukraine has two ICEYE satellites at its disposal — the «people’s» one, purchased by Serhiy Prytula’s charitable foundation, and the second one, funded by Rheinmetall and the German government. The company provides Ukrainian intelligence with the ability to receive images from the entire satellite network.
It is noted that the Department’s team is almost formed and will consist of about 20 specialists with deep specialization and practical experience. It will include military lawyers, experts with engineering and technical competencies, and specialists responsible for interaction with suppliers and users of the defense sector.
Does Ukraine have money for space?
In 2024, governments around the world spent a record $135 billion on space programs, of which $73 billion (54%) was for defense. The United States is the largest spender on space, with its Space Force budget set at $29.6 billion in 2025. At the same time, the US share of global military space spending has declined from 75% in 2000 to 59% today, as more countries invest heavily in defense presences in space.
«Such amounts look significant, but space still occupies a relatively small place in overall defense spending: for the US, only about 3,5% of the Ministry of Defense budget. This confirms that space is no longer a luxury — it is becoming more accessible, including for Ukraine,» the Ministry of Defense believes.
It is noted that the Space Policy Directorate will be financed from the existing budget allocated to the Ministry of Defense. It will not require additional funding and will not affect the overall strength of the Armed Forces.
The department emphasized that the purchase of space technologies or the launch of specialized programs are possible only after the Ministry of Defense prepares the project justification and its approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernogorenko presented the Ministry of Defense’s roadmap for the development of Ukraine’s space industry. It is divided into three stages of task implementation and covers the next 10 years. It states that by 2030, the Ministry of Defense plans to have national satellites for defense purposes, as well as a new system of air alert notifications and space control.
The Ministry of Defense plans to launch its own defense satellites into orbit by 2030. What other goals are on the roadmap of the Space Policy Directorate?
