DENVER – Several firms in the commercial space industry have each pledged $50,000 to finance humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, the companies announced April 26.
The project called “Space Industry for Ukraine” was started by HawkEye 360 and the National Security Space Association.
John Serafini, CEO of HawkEye 360, decided to launch a fundraising campaign after a visit to the Poland-Ukraine border last month. The company is a commercial operator of remote sensing satellites that collect radio-frequency data.
Serafini said the funds will be administered by international NGOs and will pay for medical treatments, delivery of food supplies, and evacuation efforts.
Organizations that donated funds and are part of the group’s steering committee includes HawkEye 360, the National Security Space Association, ABL Space Systems, ARKA, BlackSky, Capella Space, ICEYE, Insight Partners, Leidos, LeoLabs, Maxar, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Rebellion Defense, Relativity Space, Riverside Research, Rocket Lab, Velos and Viasat.
Additional participating donor companies include The Aerospace Corporation, Cognitive Space and Shield Capital.
“After visiting the Poland-Ukraine border last month to assess the crisis situation and identify ways our community can help, I am eager to work in close collaboration with our space industry peers and NGO partners to help deliver critical aid for the people of Ukraine,” Serafini said.
Space Industry for Ukraine says has fundraised to date nearly $1 million. Projects funded so far include:
- Acquisition, shipment, and delivery of medical supplies and food supplies to support populations throughout Ukraine and Poland.
- Communication hardware and operating costs to enable NGOs operating in the region to maximize communication.
- Construction and operation of mobile medical facilities for treating refugees throughout the region.
- Supporting evacuation efforts of Ukrainian refugees.
