Ukraine And Czechia To Launch Suziria Satellites To Strengthen Defense Against Russia

The governments of Ukraine and Czechia are now preparing to launch the Suziria satellite constellation. This launch will be in the best interest of the defence agencies of both countries, and it will host two major satellites.

Ukraine and Czechia To Step Up Defence With The Suziria Satellite Constellation

Details about this collaboration first hit the internet in 2022 when both countries reached a political agreement. This agreement aims to develop a defence cluster which will help monitor activities around Ukraine from space.

Making up this constellation will be two major satellites, the first being TROLL and the second being Drak. About two months ago, the TROLL satellite hit the launch pad, setting the stage for the other satellites in the constellation.

The developer of the TROLL satellite is TRL Space, a Czech firm that is concerned with the development of satellites. To take 5m per pixel resolution pictures of Ukraine’s regions from space, the TROLL satellite features an integrated hyperspectral camera that holds a 10cm lens diameter.

As for the second satellite type in this constellation, the Drak satellite, there is little detail on this satellite. At this time, we can confirm that the Drak satellite is currently undergoing development.

Czech Brno Space Cluster is the firm developing this satellite, with collaboration from TRL Space and some Ukrainian specialists. The Drak satellite will be specifically put to use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Available Details On The Drak Satellite

Most of the details on this satellite remain unknown for certain security reasons. However, we know that the Drak satellite won’t be similar to the TROLL satellite.

The Drak satellite will be larger than the TROLL satellite and feature a high-resolution camera that is suited for the visible light spectrum. Jan Grohmann, being familiar with the Suziria satellite constellation, says that the Drak satellite “will capture images of Ukrainian territory several times a day, providing Ukrainian authorities with information on Russian troop movements.”

By 2026 we expect to see the launch of the first of five Drak satellites and the last will launch in 2031.

While this satellite constellation will help observe Ukraine’s regions to boost their defence, they’ll also play a “crucial role in the security of Central and Eastern Europe,” as Grohmann points out. Next year, we expect to see the constellation move into operation as more satellites join it over the coming years.