Kyiv, Ukraine – In a compelling display of ingenuity and resilience, Ukrainian tech firm Stetman is rapidly emerging from relative obscurity to challenge the established norms of satellite communication. Spearheaded by CEO Dmytro Stetsenko, the company is not only revolutionizing how existing solutions like Starlink are utilized in critical situations but is also ambitiously developing its own satellite network, UASAT, and forging key international partnerships to bolster its capabilities. A recent landmark agreement with Swedish firm Requtech for an Ukraine-based serial production of satellite terminals underscores Stetman’s serious intent and the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s tech sector.
From the outset, Stetman’s journey, which began in late 2022, has been driven by a potent combination of high-level technical expertise and a profound desire to serve critical national needs. Stetsenko, formerly a chief architect of Kyiv’s digitalization initiatives, pivoted his extensive experience in creating complex systems with simple user interfaces towards the then-underserved field of satellite communications. “I realized I had done all I could for the city”, Stetsenko shared, “There was a strong desire to be useful on the front lines”.
This mission-driven approach led to Stetman’s initial focus: adapting SpaceX’s Starlink for the harsh realities of field operations. “The standard Starlink router is a good product, but with a bunch of security holes”, Stetsenko noted. Stetman’s engineers got to work. Their key innovations include:
- Ruggedized, Mobile Starlink Kits: The first “Starmod” was born from necessity, with Stetsenko himself “literally taking a knife” to create a rapidly deployable and retractable solution for emergency services operating under fire.
- Enhanced EW Resilience: Recognizing that satellite communication relies on GPS, Stetman re-engineered systems to maintain GPS lock even under electronic warfare pressure, preventing connection drops.
- Secure, Agile Routers: Stetman developed proprietary routers featuring secure Wi-Fi, LAN connectivity, a built-in 40-60 minute battery for emergency evacuations, and a “10-second” deployment/stowage time. A crucial feature is a one-touch button to instantly kill all emissions (Wi-Fi, LTE), drastically reducing detectability, with the only remaining signature being a minimized thermal footprint thanks to an ABS plastic casing with air gaps.
- Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Architecture: New systems, like Starlink itself, pack all logic—modem, amplification, signal processing—onto a single chip for maximum efficiency and adaptability.
Stetman now boasts 14 active products, from basic kits to advanced multi-channel terminals and even personal EW tools. Their product lines, like the robust M-Tactical for combat conditions and the quieter, aerodynamic Series-X for civilian use, showcase a commitment to user-centric design.
The company is now making a significant leap with UASAT, its own planned satellite network. “UASAT will be no worse than Starlink”, Stetsenko confidently states. Leveraging the European geostationary satellite Jupiter 3 (with up to 500 Gbps capacity), Stetman expects to finalize UASAT terminal testing within weeks, paving the way for mass deployment. UASAT aims to be competitive:
- Terminal Cost: Approx. $500 (vs. Starlink’s ~$650).
- Monthly Subscription: $100 for 5/100 Mbps speeds (comparable pricing to Starlink, though Starlink currently offers higher speeds).
Furthering their ambition, Stetman is deep in development of its own proprietary terminal, a compact, software-defined system designed to support multiple satellite networks (LEO, MEO, GEO) simultaneously, including Starlink, OneWeb, Intelsat, and UASAT. “Such a product is almost non-existent globally. And I believe this will be our breakthrough”, Stetsenko emphasizes.
The agreement with Sweden’s Requtech is pivotal. It’s not just about purchasing terminals; it’s a technology exchange. Stetman will adapt Requtech’s OneWeb-compatible technology, re-engineering form factors, standardizing connectors, and integrating their security protocols. This collaboration aims to reduce costs for serial production and create a universal platform capable of seamlessly switching between satellite networks.
This rapid innovation and expansion necessitates talent. With a current team of around 120, Stetman plans to double its workforce this year, seeking everyone from electronics assemblers and FPGA developers to embedded engineers, project managers, and support staff. “We work officially, pay ‘white’ salaries, pay taxes… An enterprise cannot rely on semi-legal solutions”, Stetsenko affirms.
Regarding Elon Musk and Starlink, Stetsenko is pragmatic. While he doesn’t believe Musk will cut off services to Ukraine, he stresses the importance of fair partnerships. “We need to start paying business tariffs if it’s a business… When we start bringing profit, not losses, the attitude towards us will be different”. Nevertheless, Stetman continues to build robust backup systems.
Looking ahead, Stetman is already eyeing the EU export market. “Once we achieve serial production of our own terminals, we can significantly reduce their cost”, making them viable for international sales. This isn’t just an option but a “necessity” to achieve scale, generate foreign currency, and further reduce costs for the domestic market. “The first batches could go to Europe even before the war ends”, Stetsenko projects.
Stetman’s journey is a testament to Ukraine’s burgeoning technological prowess. From modifying existing tech on the fly to architecting its own satellite networks and forging international alliances, this Kyiv-based company is not just adapting; it’s aiming for the stars, proving that even in the most challenging times, innovation can flourish and reach for global impact.
Source: DOU.ua
