Ukraine is moving to strengthen its communication independence with a dedicated low Earth orbit satellite constellation. Stetman, a company currently supplying communication equipment to the military and emergency services, has unveiled an ambitious plan worth over one billion euros to deploy 360 satellites by 2030. The Stetman constellation project includes a test satellite launch in October 2026 in collaboration with SpaceX, followed by full deployment starting in 2027.
New leadership maintains the course despite founder's loss
After the recent death of founder Dmytro Stetsenko, the project has not stalled. New CEO Kateryna Diachenko has taken over and already met with Danish partner GomSpace to confirm continued manufacturing. According to the company, the constellation will orbit at approximately 550 kilometers altitude, a technical choice optimizing coverage and latency. The plan calls for satellite delivery in three phases, with full deployment over three years.
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SpaceX chosen for cost and reliability
Stetman selected SpaceX as the primary launch provider, citing lower costs and higher reliability compared to rivals. Each Falcon 9 rocket can carry several dozen satellites, with launch costs between $60 million and $70 million. Considering the 360 satellites, manufacturing and launch alone could cost between $720 million and over $1 billion. The company also plans a joint assembly facility in Ukraine with GomSpace, potentially opening next year if funding arrives on schedule. That facility could require several hundred million euros, though funding source details remain undisclosed.
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A project for communication independence
The initiative is not only technological but strategic. Ukraine, which already uses Starmod and UASAT terminals for military communications, aims to reduce dependence on external infrastructure. According to Andrii Kolesnyk, former advisor to the head of Ukraine's State Space Agency, the country will need about 150 satellites to meet its needs. The overall plan includes software development, launch services, and brokerage fees. The total budget exceeds one billion euros and will be released in stages.
This development echoes broader trends where Europe and China are accelerating space and AI capabilities. For Italian SMEs operating in the sector, Stetman could represent an opportunity for technology collaboration and component supply. The resilience shown by the Ukrainian company in overcoming the loss of its founder signals the country's determination to pursue strategic autonomy. Internationally, the agreements with SpaceX and GomSpace strengthen Ukraine's position as an emerging satellite market player.
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External source: Wikipedia - Starlink for comparison with similar services.
