Brno Space Cluster to Build a Technologically Groundbreaking Satellite for Ukraine

The technologically advanced Drak satellite, developed by Brno companies that three years ago founded the largest Czech space industry association, the Brno Space Cluster, will be equipped with a camera providing ultra-high-resolution images. The data from the satellite will be encrypted, protecting it from potential misuse. Additionally, Drak will be equipped with technologies designed to safeguard and defend borders and aid in the recovery of the war-torn country. These parameters make the mission unique. 

The scope of the entire project is also extraordinary, which is why its financing will be shared by both state and commercial institutions. A crowdfunding campaign will run in parallel, as part of the “A Present for Putin” initiative by the Foundation for Ukraine, allowing every citizen of the Czech Republic to participate at www.misedrak.cz. To make the mission a reality and launch the satellite into space, over CZK 150 million needs to be raised. 

The company coordinates the entire mission. The high-resolution camera will be complemented by algorithms for automatic object detection and identification. The Brno-based startup Zaitra, which is developing a component capable of identifying objects directly on board using AI-based algorithms, plays a key role in this. The data will be processed directly on the satellite, a domain of another Brno company, World from Space. Lastly, CORAC Engineering, a technological startup, will provide the critical software to secure communication between the satellite and Earth. 
 

"Brno, with its industrial foundation, is an ideal place for such a project. Companies associated under the Brno Space Cluster have already participated in numerous large international projects that are continually enhancing the Czech Republic's competencies in the European space industry," stated Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková, who has taken patronage over the project, adding, "We want to make it clear that we still stand with Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for more than two years."