Open Cosmos Advances European Space Sovereignty with ConnectedCosmos Satellites
Open Cosmos launches new satellite constellation to provide secure, independent connectivity for European institutions.
1Strategic Shift in Connectivity
Recent global events involving Starlink have highlighted the risks of relying on foreign-controlled satellite networks. Open Cosmos is positioning its ConnectedCosmos constellation as a sovereign European alternative. By providing secure, resilient communication channels, the company aims to ensure that critical data remains under the control of institutional and government customers.
2Constellation Scale and Timeline
The first two ConnectedCosmos satellites reached orbit in January 2026 via Rocket Lab. The company plans to scale significantly, targeting over 96 satellites by the end of 2028. The full operational backbone will eventually consist of 192 satellites, which CEO Rafel Jordà Siquier describes as the foundation for future expansion.
3Technical Latency and Performance
Operating at an altitude above 1,000 km, the constellation requires fewer satellites than low-earth orbit alternatives. CTO Jordi Barrera Ars confirmed that latency ranges between 30 and 80 milliseconds. While this performance is sufficient for most industrial applications, it is not currently optimized for high-velocity drone guidance or direct-to-smartphone connectivity.
4Manufacturing and Production Capacity
Open Cosmos utilizes a common satellite bus design to streamline production at its Harwell facility. The company claims it can manufacture one satellite per day, a rate validated during site tours. This assembly process includes rigorous temperature, pressure, and shaker table testing to ensure hardware reliability before the satellites enter the nursery.
5Focus on IoT Applications
VP of Commercial Satcom Danielle Edwards clarified that the company is currently prioritizing the IoT sector over consumer smartphone markets. The business model focuses on providing dedicated communication channels for government and commercial entities. By avoiding the direct-to-device consumer space, they maintain a clear focus on secure, institutional data transmission requirements.
6Integration with OpenConstellation
The new connectivity backbone integrates directly with the existing OpenConstellation service launched in 2022. This synergy allows organizations to share Earth observation data while utilizing the ConnectedCosmos network for secure point-to-point broadband. This dual-layer approach provides customers with both spatial resolution data and a reliable, sovereign communication link for critical operations.
7Competitive Landscape and Sustainability
Unlike the massive Starlink constellation, which exceeds 10,000 satellites, Open Cosmos maintains a more modest footprint. This smaller scale is less disruptive to astronomical observations and reflects a targeted approach to connectivity. By focusing on specific institutional needs rather than global consumer saturation, the company offers a distinct alternative to existing providers.
8Operational Reality vs Theory
Open Cosmos distinguishes itself by demonstrating tangible hardware rather than relying on conceptual presentations. With over a decade of experience and dozens of successful missions, the company has proven its ability to deliver custom spacecraft. The existence of physical assembly lines and launched assets confirms their readiness to challenge current market dynamics.