Catalan space technology company Open Cosmos will construct half of the Atlantic Constellation’s 16 satellites. The company confirmed its role in the €60 million project during a presentation at its Barcelona headquarters on Tuesday.
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The Atlantic Constellation Project
Open Cosmos leads the industrial consortium for this international initiative. The company will deliver eight satellites between 2025 and 2026.
Each unit will monitor climate change effects across the Atlantic basin. Additionally, they will track maritime traffic and emergency situations.
The project involves Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. However, Catalonia provides the primary technological expertise through Open Cosmos.
Company CEO Rafel Jordà stated the constellation represents Europe’s growing space capabilities. He emphasised its importance for environmental monitoring and security.
This project follows Catalonia’s expanding climate research partnerships. It demonstrates the region’s strengthening position in European space technology.
Strategic Implications
The Atlantic Constellation supports the European Union’s space strategy. It will enhance Earth observation capabilities across multiple sectors.
Open Cosmos will coordinate with the European Space Agency throughout development. The company plans to hire 50 additional engineers for the project.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Science, the constellation addresses critical monitoring gaps. It provides real-time data on ocean temperatures and weather patterns.
The satellites will operate in low Earth orbit approximately 500 kilometres high. They will complete full Earth coverage every six hours.
Portugal’s space agency confirmed its continued participation last week. Meanwhile, the UK Space Agency committed €20 million to the initiative.
The European Commission considers the project strategically important for Atlantic security. It aligns with broader EU environmental and defence priorities.
Open Cosmos expects to begin satellite launches in late 2025. The full constellation should become operational during 2027.
This positions Barcelona as a significant European space technology hub. The city now competes with traditional aerospace centres in Toulouse and Munich.
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