Ukraine’s private space sector is getting a serious upgrade, as Stetman prepares to launch a 360-satellite low Earth orbit network starting in 2027. The billion-euro project aims to give Ukraine some communication independence, which seems prudent given the whole invasion thing.

The company recently lost its founder, Dmytro Stetsenko, but the project continues under new CEO Kateryna Diachenko. A test satellite is scheduled for October 2026, with full deployment taking three years after that. The satellites will be built by Danish firm GomSpace, and launched by SpaceX - because who else? Stetman’s late founder noted that SpaceX is “the cheapest and the most reliable,” which is either a ringing endorsement or a damning indictment of the competition.

Ukraine itself would need about 150 satellites, according to former space agency adviser Andrii Kolesnyk. The total cost exceeds one billion euros, covering satellites, software, launches, broker fees, and staff salaries. Each satellite costs $2-3 million to build and launch, and a Falcon 9 can carry several dozen at $60-70 million per launch. Do the math: 360 satellites at $2-3 million each equals $720 million to over $1 billion. Math checks out.

Stetman also plans a joint manufacturing facility in Ukraine with GomSpace, requiring several hundred million euros in additional investment. Funding sources remain undisclosed, but hey, details. The company already supplies communication equipment to Ukraine’s military, emergency services, and government, including modified terminals for military use. Because when you’re at war, you might as well have your own satellite network.