The Spanish Space Agency and the European Space Agency have entrusted Open Cosmos with the manufacture of the eight microsatellites that will make up the Spanish segment of the Atlantic Constellation , a binational Earth observation initiative promoted by Spain and Portugal.
With this commission, the Catalonia-based firm assumes a central role in what is considered the largest Earth observation constellation contracted in Spain , aimed at generating critical data for environmental management, climate resilience and the monitoring of coastal areas.
This is what the Spanish component will be like
Each platform will carry high-resolution multispectral optical cameras , GNSS reflectometry sensors to measure the reflection of navigation signals, IoT connectivity to capture data in remote areas, and an AIS system for vessel identification and tracking.
The assigned supply chain in Spain includes Satlantis (multispectral optical payload), the Institute of Space Sciences (CSIC) for GNSS reflectometry, Alén Space for communications and the AIS system, and FOSSA Systems for IoT functions.
The program design envisions interoperable operation with other constellations , under a "system of systems" approach that facilitates data integration and coordination with complementary missions.
Calendar, production and shelf life
Open Cosmos will carry out the development and integration at its Barcelona facilities , with a plan that anticipates the first deliveries starting in 2026 and, in any case, completion before 2027 to subject the satellites to testing and launch preparation.
The estimated mission cycle for each unit is approximately five years , a duration that will allow several observation campaigns to be covered with continuity and data updates.
The formalization of the contract for the implementation of the Spanish Component of the Atlantic Constellation was staged during the 50th anniversary of the ESA at the ESAC center in Madrid, with the institutional participation of the European agency and the AEE.
Planned applications and services
The constellation is designed to provide information to administrations, industry and research , delivering time series and near real-time products for a wide variety of uses.
In the environmental and climate field, satellites will contribute to the monitoring of forests, crops and water resources , facilitating early warnings of droughts, deforestation or other changes in the environment.
In coastal and marine areas, the combination of sensors and AIS will allow for monitoring pollution , improving maritime traffic control, and strengthening safety on shipping routes.
During emergencies—wildfires, floods, or natural disasters—the constellation's data will help response teams with near real-time operational information , supporting decision-making on the ground and complementing satellite initiatives to prevent catastrophes.
The observations will also be integrated into land management and urban planning tasks , contributing to smart city initiatives and more efficient and sustainable development.
Program scope and institutional context
The Atlantic Constellation will consist of eight Spanish and eight Portuguese satellites; its creation was announced in 2022 within the framework of the PERTE Aerospace , with the aim of strengthening sovereign capabilities in Earth observation.
The project is supported by a very active national ecosystem and cooperation with European countries and Spanish regions that have already promoted aligned space initiatives, which fosters technical and operational synergies.
In addition, the Government has proposed an expansion of the initiative through Esca+ , which plans to incorporate at least three additional satellites with improved observation capabilities, strengthening access to data for emergency management and climate crises.
With the award to Open Cosmos and the participation of national suppliers, Spain strengthens an industrial fabric capable of delivering complete constellations , from payload design to the integration of platforms and data services.
The initiative positions the Atlantic Constellation as a strategic national program, with staggered deliveries starting in 2026 , guaranteed interoperability, and a clear focus on public and private applications that demand accurate, frequent, and reliable data.