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he leading space technology company Open Cosmos has been selected by the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the development of the Spanish component of the Atlantic Constellation, an innovative Earth Observation program promoted by Portugal and Spain.
The official announcement was made today at ESA’s Madrid facilities (ESAC) during the celebration of the Agency’s 50th anniversary, marking a milestone moment for both Spain and Europe’s growing space ecosystem.
Open Cosmos will design and build eight advanced microsatellites that will generate critical Earth observation data for key applications, including environmental management, climate resilience and coastal zone surveillance. Each satellite will be equipped with high-resolution multispectral optical cameras, GNSS reflectometry sensors, IoT - Internet of Things connectivity, and an AIS - Automatic Vessel Identification System.
A sovereign constellation designed with revisit in mind and a spirit of partnership
The constellation will address the growing challenges inflicted by climate disasters affecting Spain, Europe and the world while developing strategic sovereign capabilities in the critical domain of Earth Observation. In order to meet these urgent needs, this constellation is conceived to enable seamless operations with other constellations with a strong system of systems approach. Open Cosmos is a pioneer in this field with multiple countries like the UK, Greece or Portugal and multiple regions in Spain like Catalonia, Balearic Island, Andalucia or the Canary Islands having already contributed satellites to this fastly growing shared constellation.
The satellites will be delivered by 2027 from Open Cosmos’ cutting-edge facilities in Barcelona as part of this incredibly fast-paced project. Under this flagship tractor project, the consortium led by Open Cosmos brings together the wide ecosystem of payload providers in Spain.
Rafel Jordà, CEO and Founder of Open Cosmos, said: “Open Cosmos is delivering some of the most ambitious constellations in Europe and being awarded this one in Spain, is not only very special to me as a Spaniard, but also pivotal in the growth of our pan-European company. Spain has one of the most thriving space ecosystems in the world and at Open Cosmos we feel privileged to have been selected for this strategic tractor project”.
ESA Director for Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli said: “The upcoming ESA Ministerial is key for Spain in terms of sustaining progress of their space initiatives. Today, with the signature of ESCA - the Spanish component of the Atlantic Constellation - which will have a strong potential to play a role in ERS-EO, European Resilience from Space Earth Observation, we show the breadth of Spanish involvement in the ESA Earth Observation Programmes.”
Main Features
Each of these microsatellites will integrate four onboard instruments for collecting terrestrial data. The first is a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reflectometry sensor, a technology that measures the reflections of terrestrial navigation signals.The satellites will also accommodate an AIS receiver (Automatic Identification System), a technology for locating vessels and monitoring maritime activity beyond visibility limitations. Another technology to be included in the baseline is the IoT (Internet of Things), which allows the microsatellites to collect in-situ data in remote areas and hence monitoring various terrestrial aspects and transmitting this information affordably. The fourth of these elements are the multispectral optical cameras, which will provide a privileged view of the globe.
This innovative configuration makes this satellite constellation one of the most versatile and impactful constellations ever developed in Europe, and a unique example of its kind for Spain.
From Observation to Action: Turning Space Data into Impact
The data generated by these satellites will empower governments, industries, and researchers to make faster, smarter, and more informed decisions across a wide range of sectors.
In environmental and climate management, the constellation will enable continuous monitoring of forests, crops, and water resources, providing early insights into deforestation, droughts, and other ecological changes.
Along coastlines and at sea, it will enhance pollution tracking, vessel monitoring, and maritime safety, supporting cleaner oceans and more efficient navigation.
During emergencies such as wildfires, floods, or natural disasters, near real-time data will deliver critical situational awareness to first responders and authorities, helping protect lives and infrastructure.
In cities and regions, the constellation’s insights will also inform urban planning, land management, and smart city initiatives, ensuring that development is not only efficient but also sustainable and resilient.
With an expected operational life of five years, this program embodies Spain’s commitment to building a resilient, accessible, and practical space infrastructure that delivers tangible benefits to society and the planet.
Driving European Innovation, Sovereignty, and Leadership
The Spanish Atlantic Constellation mission reinforces Open Cosmos’ leadership in modular and sustainable satellite constellations, while strengthening Spain’s role as a key player in the evolving European space ecosystem.
Beyond its technical goals, the project represents a strategic step toward technological sovereignty, orbital sustainability, and international collaboration in the responsible use of space.
This project is possible thanks to the consortium brought together by Open Cosmos, formed by Satlantis (VNIR instrument provider), Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) (GNSS-R instrument responsibility), Alén Space (VDES/AIS communication system provider) and FOSSA Systems (IoT communication system provider).
