Open Cosmos launched the first two satellites of its proprietary low Earth orbit (LEO) telecommunications constellation on January 22, marking the company’s transition from system design to on-orbit validation. The spacecraft lifted off at 10:52 GMT aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, and deployed into a 1,050 km (652 miles) circular orbit.
The launch followed the company’s January 14 award of high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings from the Principality of Liechtenstein, a key regulatory step for its planned constellation. With the satellites now operational in orbit, Open Cosmos will conduct in-flight testing to validate system performance, satellite operations, and network architecture ahead of a broader phased deployment. The spacecraft operate under Spain’s regulatory framework for satellite registration and licensing.
Open Cosmos said the two satellites represent the activation phase of a multi-satellite architecture designed to provide secure connectivity and space-based data services. Engineering teams across the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece contributed to the program. Rocket Lab confirmed the dedicated Electron mission delivered the payloads to the targeted orbit as planned.
- Two satellites deployed into 1,050 km (652 miles) circular LEO
- Launched on Rocket Lab’s Electron from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
- High-priority Ka-band spectrum secured on January 14 via Liechtenstein filing
- Satellites to test operations, validate system performance, and demonstrate constellation readiness
- Operate under Spain’s regulatory and licensing framework
- Program supported by engineering teams in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece
“This launch is a major milestone for Open Cosmos and a critical step in our mission to provide secure, sovereign connectivity for Europe and the world,” said Rafel Jordà Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos.
🌐 Analysis: Open Cosmos moves into direct competition with established LEO broadband operators such as SpaceX(Starlink) and Eutelsat (OneWeb), though at a much earlier deployment stage. Securing Ka-band spectrum before launch strengthens regulatory positioning as spectrum coordination intensifies in higher LEO orbits.
The 1,050 km orbital altitude places the satellites above many large LEO broadband fleets, potentially influencing latency and coverage trade-offs. For European policymakers seeking sovereign space infrastructure, the combination of regional manufacturing and licensed spectrum could support future public-private initiatives in secure connectivity.
 | Space Infrastructure CoverageWe’re tracking the latest developments in satellite systems, LEO constellations, sovereign space infrastructure, and hybrid space-terrestrial networking. Follow our ongoing coverage at convergedigest.com/category/space |
