Ukraine's Space Policy Directorate: MoD explains role of new body
Defense Ministry sheds light on the Space Policy Directorate (Getty Images)
In March, Ukraine established the Space Policy Directorate. It has now been revealed who will be part of the new body and what its responsibilities will be, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the development of space capabilities has become critically important in modern warfare. That is why many countries are creating separate space commands or forces. For this reason, Ukraine has also established its own Space Policy Directorate.
The new body is essential for Ukraine to address three key needs in space: satellite communications, intelligence, and early warning of missile threats.
What is the Space Policy Directorate?
"The Space Policy Directorate in the field of defense is a center of expertise that will ensure the coordination of efforts in the area of military space and serve as a platform for interaction with all participants in the space ecosystem," the ministry explained.
Its participants will include:
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Military command bodies of the security and defense forces;
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The State Space Agency of Ukraine;
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State institutions involved in space-related activities;
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Partner countries — through joint programs and data sharing;
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Enterprises developing innovative technologies, satellite systems, and providing space monitoring services;
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Universities, research centers, and laboratories working on new solutions in the space sector.
What the Space Policy Directorate will do
The Directorate will operate in three main areas, according to the Ministry of Defense.
First, it will improve the regulatory and legal framework and develop documents to advance the military's space capabilities.
Second, the Directorate will focus on technological expertise. It will collaborate with research institutions, centers, and developers to identify promising technologies and specialists for integration into the defense sector.
Third, it will establish partnerships with international governmental and commercial entities, signing contracts for the supply of technologies and data.
Staffing and funding of the Space Policy Directorate
According to the Ministry of Defense, the Directorate's team is nearly formed and will consist of around 20 specialists with deep expertise and practical experience. The team will include military lawyers and experts in fields such as satellite communications, Earth remote sensing, navigation, and specialists responsible for cooperation with defense sector suppliers.
The Space Policy Directorate will be funded within the existing budget of the Ministry of Defense through a reallocation of resources.
Establishment of the Directorate
On March 29, during the international forum Space For Ukraine, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digitalization Kateryna Chernohorenko announced the creation of the Space Policy Directorate.
At the time, she noted that through this new body, the Ministry of Defense aims to become the primary customer of space technology and software for the needs of the Defense Forces.
She also hinted at the possible emergence of a new branch of the armed forces.
