A brief history
According to the Decree of the President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk as of February 29, 1992 the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) has been established. The issues discussed within the first months of the independence of Ukraine included finding the ways to preserve and develop rocket and space complex in Ukraine, create its own management structure over the enterprises, review their specialization and establish effective cooperation ties. The special issue was focused on elaboration of the national space policy. In order to solve these issues the NSAU was established with the status of a central executive body. During 1992, nine LVs have been manufactured and launched and 4 spacecraft of Ukrainian production injected.
The First Space Program
(Main events of 1993-1997)
The first five-year State space program was approved on May 25, 1993 by the Government. This program encompassed:
– Launch of the “Sich-1” satellite for the first time under the jurisdiction of Ukraine;
– Development of the national telecommunications satellite “Lybid”;
– Preparation of a candidate to the astronauts team from Ukraine for the space flight;
– Measures for commercialization of space activities in Ukraine;
– Signing of cooperation agreements with leading space agencies and companies for implementation of the joint projects.
In the period from September 1994 till February 1995 the duties of Acting Director General of NSAU have been put on Mr. Andriy Zhalko-Tytarenko.
In February 1995 Mr. Oleksandr Negoda has been appointed to a post of Director General of NSAU.
May 4, 1995. The Agreement on establishment of the joint venture “Sea Launch” was signed. The first visits of NSAU management board to NASA and NASA leaders to Ukraine were made. The Space Agency started participating in the work of the UN Committee on Space Research on a permanent basis.
August 31, 1995. The first Ukrainian spacecraft “Sich-1” was launched.
June 1996. The National Youth Aerospace Education Center was founded, and in August same year the National Space Facilities Control and Test Center established.
November 15, 1996. The Parliament of Ukraine adopted the Law on “Space Activities”.
During November 19 – December 5, 1997 Ukrainian cosmonaut researcher Leonid Kadenyuk flew on the “Columbia” shuttle as a member of the international crew (STS-87 mission) and conducted 10 scientific experiments in orbit.
Decree of the President of Ukraine as of March 13, 1997 set a holiday – Day of the space industry workers of Ukraine, celebrated annually on April 12.
During 1993-1997, 32 launch-vehicles and 13 spacecraft of Ukrainian development have been manufactured and launched.
Dynamics of implementation of the first state space program of Ukraine demonstrated a strong scientific and industrial potential of enterprises, organizations and institutions involved in space activities and initiated coordination of their work in the global rocketry market.
The Second Space Program
(Main events of 1998-2002)
In early 1998, implementation of the First state space program has been summarized and necessary conclusions made for the second program.
June 5, 1998. The International Centre for Space Law was established jointly with the Institute of State and Law of NASU.
In October 1998, the Decree of the President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma set a transfer of the enterprises, institutions and military units involved in rocketry and space activities under jurisdiction of NSAU.
Active search of ways for participation of rocket and space sector enterprises in international space projects was conducted. In November 1998, Ukrainian enterprises joined the works on development of the International Space Station (ISS). First consultations with the space agencies of Germany (DLR), France (CNES) have been held to identify areas of cooperation. A unique international space project “Sea Launch” started its operations (first launch of “Zenit-3SL” was performed on March 28, 1999). A joint venture “Kosmotras” has been established to operate conversion missiles SS-18(first launch of “Dnipro” LV was performed on April 21, 1999)
During 1998-2002, 23 LVs and 4 spacecraft of Ukrainian development were produced and launched.
Second State space program continued a dynamic process of development of space activities in the country and provided a bridge for the industries to the world market with new high-tech and competitive models of national space technology.
The Third Space Program
(Main events of 2003-2007)
The third State Space Program was the program of the third millennium – a new era of technological pattern, active exploration of outer space, interplanetary missions and unique scientific experiments.
This became possible on the basis of space projects of the national space industry:
– The 2003 marked a start of Ukrainian-Brazilian project on building a space launch pad for new Ukrainian launcher “Cyclone-4” at the Alcantara launch center, near the equator, which should have provided an independent access to space for Ukraine;
– In 2007 a binational joint venture “Alcantara Cyclone Space” was established for Implementation of the “Cyclone-4” project;
– In 2007 a new launch complex “Land Launch” was developed at the Baikonur cosmodrome for Ukrainian “Zenit-3SLB” LVs;
– New classes of satellites were developed: “Micron” – commissioned by Ukraine (2004) and “EgyptSat-1” – on the order of Egypt (2007).
July 25, 2005. Mr. Yuriy Alekseyev has been appointed to a post of Director General of NSAU.
A joint working group NSAU – EU Commission was formed on cooperation in peaceful use of outer space (Leaders: E. Kuznetsov and H. Bischoff).
December 1, 2005 the Agreement has been signed on cooperation in a civil global navigation satellite system GALILEO between Ukraine and the European Community. In November 2006 Ukraine hosted for the first time the International Symposium on Space Law under the auspices of the United Nations (participants – 22 countries).
June 21, 2007 the Framework Agreement has been signed on cooperation between NSAU and CNES. Organizational and legal bases were prepared for implementing Ukrainian-European “Twinning” project (beneficiary from Ukraine – NSAU, for EU member-state counterparts: DLR and CNES).
Projects implemented within a third state space program, highlighted qualitative changes achieved by engineers and designers of the industry, creating state-of-the-art rocketry. Every year, in course of this period, the industries were performing 150-170 international contracts worth USD300 to 450 million. 28 Launches of Ukrainian origin LVs have been provided, including 16 launches under the “Sea Launch” program and 7 launches under the “Dnipro” program. During 2003-2007, 5 satellites of in-house design have been developed and injected. Export of space products exceeded import by almost 2.3 times.
The Fourth Space Program
(Main events of 2008-2012)
The fourth State Space Program included further extension of cooperation with European companies and organizations and expansion of Ukraine’s presence in global markets of space rocketry.
January 25, 2008. Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and ESA on cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space was signed in Paris. March 31, 2008 the Framework Agreement has been signed between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America on cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
April 22, 2008. “Twinning” project has started – “Boosting Ukrainian-European space cooperation” – for approximation between Ukraine and the European Union in space segment.
April 28, 2008 the first launch of “Zenit-3SLB” LV marked the beginning of a new international project “Land Launch”.
February 11, 2009 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appointed Mr. Oleksandr Zinchenko to a post of Director General of NSAU.
March 2009. Yuzhnoye SDO hosted an off-site session of the Government having discussed current issues of space industry and passed 14 government documents to ensure its efficient operation.
In 2009 the Decree of the President of Ukraine Viktor Yuschenko awarded a group of space industry workers with a State Prize in Science and Technology for creation of a three-stage launcher “Zenit-3SL” under the “Sea Launch” program. Ukrainian scientists discovered existence of the third additional radiation belt of the Earth using domestic scientific instrument “STEP-F” installed on “Coronas-Photon” spacecraft.
In March 2010 the project “Twinning-Space” was completed, which was recognized as one of the most successful twinning projects in Ukraine.
March 17, 2010. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appointed Mr. Yuriy Alekseyev to a post of Director General of NSAU.
In May 2010, the Agreement with Canadian company MDA has been signed to develop and launch the national satellite communication and telecommunication satellite “Lybid”.
In September 2010, the Program of Ukrainian-Chinese cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space for 2011-2015 has been signed.
In December 2010, the National Space Agency of Ukraine has been renamed into the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU).
In March 30 2011, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the “Concept of state policy implementation in the field of space activities for the period till 2032”.
February 13, 2012. The first launch of a new European launcher “Vega” with the upper stage cruise engine of Ukrainian development and manufacture was performed from Kourou Space Center in French Guiana.
During 2008-2012, 27 LVs developed under participation of Ukraine have been launched and 1 spacecraft of the in-house design injected into orbit.
Fourth State Space Program consolidated high position of Ukraine in the global space market. Main priorities were identified for further development of the industry with a long term perspective.
The Fifth Space Program
(Main events of 2013-2017)
Within the fifth Space Program the Agency continues active works to promote the national rocket and space technology to the global market as a part of international space projects.
April 21, 2013, the first demonstration launch of “Antares” LV was performed under cooperation with “Orbital-ATK” Co. (USA).
In May 2013, an international meeting of experts was held in Kyiv to discuss the draft International Code of Conduct in Space Activities. April 14, 2013 was marked with the start of the second “Twinning” project – “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of SSAU in the implementation of European space programs in satellite navigation (EGNOS / GALILEO) and remote sensing (GMES)”. Participants – Spain and Ukraine.
In May 2014, due to the annexation of the Crimea and the loss of possible use of ground space infrastructure the SSAU performed all the necessary measures to ensure the stable operation of ground facilities for remote sensing, geophysical monitoring, space control and satellite navigation.
June 19, 2014. “Dnipro” LV delivered into orbit 33 spacecraft for 17 countries including first Ukrainian Nanosatellite “Politan-1” developed in Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
November 12, 2014. Mr. Oleksandr Golub has been appointed to a post of the Acting Chairman of the State Space Agency of Ukraine.
January 21, 2015, Mr. Oleg Uruskyi has been appointed to a post of SSAU Chairman.
In July 2015, due to geopolitical reasons Brazil declared unilaterally its withdrawal from the joint project on creation of “Cyclone-4” space complex at the Alcantara Space Center.
August 19, 2015, Mr. Lyubomyr Sabadosh has been appointed to a post of SSAU Chairman.
In October 2015, the MP Association was formed in Ukrainian Parliament “Ukraine is a space power”.
In November 2015, NASA delegation paid a visit to Ukraine led by Associate Administrator William Gerstenmaier.
On December 11, 2015, the tenth anniversary launch of “Zenit-3SLB” has been performed under the “Land Launch” program.
September 14, 2016, Mr. Yuriy Radchenko has been appointed to a post of the Acting Chairman of SSAU
October 18, 2016, an upgraded launcher “Antares” with “SIGNUS” cargo spacecraft was successfully launched from US Wallops Flight Facility.
In total, during 2013-2017, 27 LVs developed under participation of Ukraine have been launched.
At present, the work was started on a new State Space Program for 2018-2022. Restructuring of the industry is being prepared to improve its efficiency. In this regard, appropriate proposals were made to the Government, and amendments to the Laws of Ukraine prepared regulating space activities in the country.
General results
For twenty-five years of the State Agency five space programs were implemented having contributed to the development of space activities, establishing international contacts, entrance of the industry to the global market of space services, implementation of unique international projects.
Actions within this period:
– space industry of Ukraine formed;
– a modern legal framework (over 140 laws of Ukraine, Decrees of the President of Ukraine, Resolutions of the Government) prepared for activities on the global market and participation in large-scale space projects;
– agreements on cooperation in space sector signed with 24 countries;
– the National Space Facilities Control and Test Center established with powerful ground infrastructure;
– flight on the “Columbia” shuttle of the first cosmonaut of Ukraine Leonid Kadenyuk performed;
– for the first time under the jurisdiction of Ukraine “Sich-1” satellite injected into orbit, a new class of satellites – “Micron”, “EgyptSat-1”, “Sich-2” developed and launched;
– production of the main structure of the first stage of “Antares” launcher and a cruise engine for upper stage of “Vega” initiated and mastered;
– an in-house “Cyclone-4” space rocket complex designed and major part of its units and components manufactured;
– a family of advanced “Mayak” launchers developed with the use of environment-friendly propellant;
– a new family of rocket engines developed;
– a new LV control system created and perfected based on inertial strapdown navigation system.
The industry preserved its human and intellectual potential, advanced technology, experimental and industrial base. Close cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has created a unique space technology, which ensured participation in the international projects “Sea Launch” “Land Launch”, “Dnipro”, “Antares”, “Vega”, International Space Station and many scientific experiments.
Since 1992, 140 in-house LVs have been launched from 6 world spaceports with 370 satellites onboard on the order of 25 countries.
Launches of LVs of Ukrainian manufacture or developed under participation of Ukrainian enterprises in 1992-2017:
Launches of LVs of Ukrainian manufacture or developed under participation of Ukrainian enterprises in 1992-2017:
| Cyclone-2 | Cyclone -3 | Zenit-2 | Dnipro | Zenit -3SL | Zenit -3SLB | Antares | Vega |
| 13 | 25 | 20 | 22 | 36 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
27 satellites launched for various purposes, designed by Yuzhnoye SDO and manufactured by Yuzhmash PA.
Spacecraft developed in Ukraine in 1992-2017:
| Tsilyna-2 | Tsilyna -D | Tsilyna-P | Typhoon-1 | Typhoon-2 | Coronas-I | Coronas-F |
| 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ocean | Ocean -O | Sich-1 | Sich-1М | Micron | Egyptsat-1 | Sich-2 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
In addition, the State Research and Production Enterprise “Kommunar Association” during this period manufactured serially instruments of control systems for 263 “Soyuz”, 179 “Proton”, 66 “Zenit” and 46 “Molniya” launchers.
“Khartron” PJSC provided control systems for 38 launch vehicles of “Cyclone” type, 28 of “Rokot”, 22 of “Dnipro” 3 of “Strila” and 29 spacecraft for various purposes as well as the first ISS module “Zorya”.
In order to ensure operation of the orbital station “Mir” and the ISS, 66 launches of manned spaceships “Soyuz” were performed and 97 missions of cargo ships “Progress”, equipped with control systems for an onboard complex produced by “Kyivprylad” PA.
Enterprises of Kyiv Radio Plant – “Kurs” PJSC and “Elmiz” produced over the years 138 equipment sets of “Kurs”, used for searching, approach and docking of the spacecraft with the space station.
Twenty-five years of the State Space Agency – the central body of executive powers of Ukraine – encompass gained experience in international markets: in competitive fighting and cooperation with powerful international space companies. This is the confidence in the right selection of development path and leading industry of national economy. This is an ability to provide implementation of space policy in extreme funding conditions. This is a confidence in a better future of national aerospace education, space science and space-rocket industry.