Cosmic Ukraine:We Are Generous Because We Are Poor

Elated by the successful launch of the Zenit 3 SL carrier rocket from the Pacific, performed under the Sea Start project, Oleksandr Nehoda said that the next launch would be in less than two weeks. But this time it will be another rocket, specifically the Dnipro carrier, a converted and upgraded version of the SS-18 heavy intercontinental missile, once produced by Pivdenmash and now subject to elimination under the START Treaty. Over 150 such missiles are currently in service in the Russian nuclear forces. Thus, instead of putting nuclear warheads into orbit, the missiles will make their last flight for the benefit of mankind. On April 21, one Dnipro carrier rocket hosting a British satellite will be launched.

In May, the Ukrainian-Russian Okean (Ocean) satellite will be put into orbit, and in December, a properly Ukrainian micro-satellite. According to Mr. Nehoda, the satellites will be used for remote surveying of the earth and for national security purposes. However, this security will not be extended to military purposes. The satellites will be equipped with devices capable of detecting objects with a minimum length of 15 meters, while the military is interested in equipment with a detection sensitivity of 5 meters or less.

Who then is the consumer for the information obtained by the Ukrainian satellites, and will anybody pay for the expensive space data? Unfortunately, all the ministries are now in an extremely difficult economic condition, so we make information available practically free of charge, said Mr. Nehoda to The Day. Why are we so generous? Because we are poor.