Insider Brief:
- Open Cosmos has signed a €60 million contract to deploy a seven-satellite Earth Observation Constellation to provide daily high-resolution and very-high-resolution imagery.
- The Hellenic Government aims to use this constellation to deliver economic and environmental benefits for Greece and Europe.
- The Greek constellation will operate in low Earth orbit with multisensor instruments including high-resolution optical cameras, IoT and AIS receivers, and on-board AI to maximize efficiency.
Open Cosmos has announced the company has signed a €60 million contract to deploy a seven-satellite Earth Observation Constellation. This project will provide daily high-resolution and very-high-resolution imagery. The Hellenic Government aims to use this constellation to deliver economic and environmental benefits for Greece and Europe. The collected data will enhance public services, combat sea pollution, and boost agricultural efficiency.
Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos focuses on addressing global sustainability challenges through space data. This mission aligns with the company’s OpenConstellation initiative, set to be the largest shared space infrastructure according to Open Cosmos. Greece will join this global partnership, sharing data for disaster response and environmental monitoring.
The Greek government sees this investment as a step forward for the country’s space industry. Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, noted the project’s role in stimulating local high-tech industries, creating jobs, and attracting talent. This effort aims to build a sustainable economic framework that integrates advanced technology sectors.
Rafel Jorda Siquier, CEO of Open Cosmos, expressed pride in securing the contract amidst strong competition. He highlighted the team’s dedication and the advanced technology that set Open Cosmos apart. This contract will enhance their position as a leading satellite data provider and foster future collaborations.
The Greek constellation will operate in low Earth orbit with a suite of multisensor instruments. These include high-resolution optical cameras, IoT and AIS receivers, and on-board AI to maximize efficiency. The program, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), will complement existing systems like the EU Copernicus and Atlantic constellations.
ESA’s Earth Observation director, Simonetta Cheli, emphasized the agency’s support for national initiatives. She noted that this project reflects ESA’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of such initiatives through a unified framework for observations exchange.
Open Cosmos Aegean, a new manufacturing center, will build and operate the satellites. This center aims to enhance Greece’s capabilities in satellite technology and attract more investment. It will oversee regional sales and support other European operations, playing a crucial role in future international programs.
Dr. Maria Kalama, Director of Open Cosmos Aegean, acknowledged the vibrant ecosystem of suppliers and service providers involved in securing the contract. She thanked partners like Nova ICT, EMTECH-Space, and the Libre Space Foundation for their contributions.
Image credit: Open Cosmos
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