Ukraine will receive satellites within a year - Venislavsky

Ukraine can get its own satellites within a year - Venislavskyi on the future Space Forces

People's Deputy Fyodor Venislavsky said in an interview with the publication LIGA.net, that within the framework of creating future Space Forces of Ukraine Ukraine may receive its own satellites within a year.

According to him, these could be satellites that our partners “provide or sell” to us.

Venislavsky also noted that the Ministry of Defence and Ukrainian special services are already working on this topic, and the Rada Defence Committee has recommended amending the law on the Armed Forces to formalise the creation of the Space Force.

Context and plans

• Currently, the Ministry of Defence has established Space Policy Directorate, which should coordinate the development of space infrastructure, launch of pilot projects, and the regulatory framework in this area.

• According to the Ministry of Defence's roadmap, by 2030, the country plans to have its own satellites for defence, attack warning systems and space control.

• The creation of the Space Forces should be enshrined in a law that has already been registered with the Rada, which will provide the basis for the development of structural, organisational and technical capabilities.

Assessment and challenges

Despite the ambitious statements, there are a number of challenges:

• Venislavsky admits that Ukraine is unlikely to be able to form and maintain a constellation of satellites on its own, and that it needs help from its partners.

• The legislative framework, technological infrastructure, financing and satellite maintenance system all have to be developed almost from scratch.

• Military satellites are not only a matter of launching the vehicle, but also of communications, encryption, and protection against hostile measures (jamming, cyberattacks, etc.).