Ukraine moves to boost military with Stetman satellite network via SpaceX
Satellite (Photo: iceye.com)
The director of the Ukrainian company Stetman, Dmytro Stetsenko, reported that the company is working on creating its own satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, reports Defender Media.
What the company does
Stetman was registered in 2023. According to Stetsenko, the project was created using private investments and European loans.
The company supplies satellite communication equipment for the military, police, rescue services, medical personnel, and other state structures.
The product line includes about 30 solutions. Among them are standard Starlink terminals, as well as a modified version, Starmod, adapted for military tasks and protected against electronic warfare measures.
The company also produces UASAT Geo satellite communication terminals that operate via the Hughes Jupiter satellite in geostationary orbit.
Satellite launch plan
The company plans to create a satellite constellation at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers.
This type of orbit allows for reduced data transmission latency compared to geostationary satellites, but requires a larger number of units.
A test satellite is scheduled to be launched into orbit in October 2026. The company has already made an agreement with SpaceX for the launch.
The full deployment of the network is set to begin in 2027 and will take about three years. The total size of the constellation will be 360 satellites.
Project cost
According to company representatives, the production and launch of one satellite costs several million euros.
Experts estimate the cost of creating one unit at approximately $2-3 million.
The launch of a Falcon 9 rocket, which can carry dozens of satellites into orbit simultaneously, is estimated at around $60-70 million.
Who the network will serve
The future network is aimed at providing communication for critical state structures.
Ordinary users are not considered the primary audience for the project.
Stetman is also considering the possibility of cooperation with European partners.
The company notes interest from the UK and Germany and suggests that in the future, communication services could be provided not only to Ukraine but also to its allies.
The US Army has sent 10,000 Merops interceptor drones to the Middle East, which had previously been used by Ukrainian defenders.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine conducted a successful operation during which logistical facilities and personnel of the Russian units were destroyed. The strikes targeted warehouses with drones and supply bases in the temporarily occupied territories.
