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Ukraine’s new frontier: how space has become critical to balance of the war
Ukraine struck Russia’s Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, damaging facilities involved in assembling components for Soyuz launch systems. The attack highlights how space infrastructure has become part of the war, as satellites support communications, drones and battlefield surveillance, while attacks on launch facilities can hinder an opponent’s access to orbit.
Russia is deploying its Rassvet satellite network after being shut out of Starlink, and has used Oreshnik ballistic missiles that travel through near space. Ukraine is seeking alternatives to Starlink and has tested near-space interceptions; last month it launched Obria Nano with Denmark’s GomSpace, a test satellite for a proposed network of about 245 satellites. The article also describes growing military activity in orbit, including Russian satellites manoeuvring near other countries’ assets.
In short
- Ukraine struck a Russian rocket and space centre.
- Kyiv is developing alternatives to Starlink.
- Military activity in orbit is increasing.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of striking the Samara facility argue that space systems now directly sustain military operations, from communications to surveillance, so disrupting the infrastructure that supports them can be a legitimate way to weaken Russia’s war effort. They may also see Ukraine’s satellite partnerships and alternative networks as necessary to reduce dependence on Starlink and preserve its ability to defend itself.
The case against
Critics argue that attacking facilities connected to space launch systems risks widening the conflict and damaging infrastructure with uses beyond the battlefield. As military activity in orbit grows, they may favour restraint and stronger international rules, warning that reciprocal attacks could threaten civilian services and make space less secure for all countries.
Explained simply
Satellites help military forces communicate, guide drones and monitor activity on the ground. Space systems and the facilities used to launch them can therefore affect how well a country operates in a war, even when the fighting is far from orbit.
Ukraine and Russia both rely on satellite services and are developing alternatives as access to existing networks changes. Ukraine is working with Denmark’s GomSpace on a test satellite, while Russia is deploying its Rassvet network. Both countries’ space programmes sit alongside their wider military efforts.
The conflict also reflects a broader shift: governments are paying closer attention to satellites and to how they move in orbit. Damage to launch facilities or interference with satellites could affect military communications and surveillance, and may have consequences beyond the battlefield.