Ukraine launches student-led project to develop first space instrument

Ukraine has unveiled an ambitious initiative to develop its first student-built space instrument—a spectrometer designed for a satellite. The project will be carried out at the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) in collaboration with leading experts in space technology.

The project was announced during a press conference at Media Center Ukraine.

According to Olena Kompaniiets, a junior researcher and press secretary at the Main Astronomical Observatory of NASU, the initiative is divided into three stages. The first phase, which has already begun, is expected to last about six months. Its primary objective is to develop a mockup of the payload, funded entirely by private donations without government grants.

Students selected for the project have already begun receiving theoretical training essential for their future work. Once they grasp the necessary concepts, they will transition into the hands-on phase, developing a prototype of real space technology.

“What makes this project unique is that we are not just providing abstract theoretical knowledge—we are equipping students with the exact expertise they need to build real space technology in the future. Initially, they will create a prototype, but we all hope this initiative will evolve into something greater, ultimately leading to students launching their own satellite. This would mark the first step toward a new generation of Ukrainian space engineers developing even more advanced space technologies,” Kompaniiets said.

She noted that the next stages of the project will be funded separately as a space startup.

“The second and third phases will involve collaborating with additional groups and institutions. As the team expands, we will work toward building a fully equipped satellite and preparing it for launch,” she explained.

Kompaniiets stressed that advancing space technologies is not just a long-term goal but an urgent priority, as past setbacks have demonstrated the impact of missed investment opportunities. She emphasized that timely advancements in this field could have significantly bolstered both Ukraine’s defense and civilian sectors.

“Space is crucial right now. Had we started actively developing our space sector a decade ago, we would be in a much stronger position today—especially in terms of defense, as we would have far more technological capabilities. And this extends beyond defense. Consider the public sector—satellite communications, for example. We’ve missed many opportunities in the past because we believed the timing wasn’t right. If we want to build a better society while our best and bravest defend us on the front lines, and if we want to create real opportunities for Ukraine’s future, we must invest in space development today,” she concluded.

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