Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos designs, builds, and operates low-earth-orbit satellites, delivering Earth observation data, broadband connectivity, and IoT services to European governments, research institutions, and commercial enterprises via four manufacturing facilities in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersDidcot, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Open Cosmos does
Open Cosmos is a privately held space technology company founded in 2015 in Harwell, United Kingdom, that designs, manufactures, launches, and operates low-earth-orbit satellites through an end-to-end mission services model. The company's product portfolio rests on a vertically integrated platform: OpenOrbit provides full-lifecycle satellite mission services (assembly, integration, testing, launch campaign, in-orbit operations, data delivery, insurance, and licensing); OpenConstellation is a mutualised satellite infrastructure currently comprising 23 spacecraft that lets governments, research institutions, and commercial users share access to Earth observation data; DataCosmos is a cloud-based multi-satellite platform ingesting Open Cosmos, Sentinel, Landsat, SpaceWill, and Geosat imagery with visualisation and algorithm tools; ConnectedCosmos is a planned 576-satellite LEO broadband constellation using Ka-band spectrum for sovereign IoT and direct-to-device connectivity; and HYPER-500 is a flagship hyperspectral imaging system with onboard AI processing. Manufacturing is distributed across four European facilities — Harwell (UK headquarters), Barcelona (Spain), Porto (Portugal), and Pallini (Greece) — producing approximately 200 satellites per year at a stated three-satellite-per-week rate, with a claimed 100% launch success rate across the 13 missions flown to date.
The company monetises through three distinct revenue streams: one-time mission services for government satellite programmes (e.g., the €30 million Atlantic Constellation ESCA, Greek Hyperion National Microsatellites), recurring data-product subscriptions via DataCosmos and HYPER-500 imagery, and emerging subscription-based IoT and broadband connectivity revenue through ConnectedCosmos. Customers are concentrated in European governments and national space agencies (Spanish Space Agency, Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, Junta de Andalucía via AGAPA, UK Ministry of Defence through the Astroscale Orpheus programme), complemented by research institutions (National Observatory of Athens) and select commercial enterprises (Ubotica Technologies, Messium). Go-to-market is predominantly direct enterprise and government sales with project-based multi-year contracts, supplemented by technology-partner integrations (Rocket Lab as launch partner; MDA Space UK and CGI for ESA SkyPhi; NASA JPL on FAME; Panasonic on IBF). The company has raised over $63 million from ETF Partners, Accenture Ventures, and Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus, secured a £5 million UK government manufacturing grant, claims five consecutive years of profitability as of January 2026, and has been awarded high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings from Liechtenstein — positioning itself explicitly as a European sovereign alternative to Starlink/OneWeb.
Open Cosmos firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Open Cosmos
- Legal name
- Open Cosmos Ltd.
- Website
- https://open-cosmos.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Open Cosmos designs, builds, and operates low-earth-orbit satellites, delivering Earth observation data, broadband connectivity, and IoT services to European governments, research institutions, and commercial enterprises via four manufacturing facilities in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Open Cosmos industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Mission Services
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB), Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)
Keywords
Where Open Cosmos is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Didcot
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Open Cosmos business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Satellite Mission Services: End-to-end satellite mission management including design, manufacturing, launch campaign, in-orbit operations, and data delivery. Revenue from government contracts and institutional customers.
- Earth Observation Data Products: Sale of satellite imagery and derived data products through DataCosmos platform. Tailored data products customized to customer requirements.
- IoT and Connectivity Services: Global space-based IoT connectivity service integrated with Earth observation. Direct-to-device IoT and point-to-point broadband through ConnectedCosmos constellation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Multi-year contract | Custom data packages |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Open Cosmos product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Open Cosmos designs, builds, and operates low-Earth orbit satellites through its OpenOrbit end-to-end mission service, covering satellite design, assembly, integration, testing, launch, and in-orbit operations. It runs OpenConstellation, a shared Earth observation satellite infrastructure, and DataCosmos, a cloud-based multi-satellite data platform. The ConnectedCosmos LEO constellation adds sovereign broadband and IoT connectivity to the integrated offering.
Product overview
Open Cosmos operates a multi-layered satellite infrastructure platform comprising three core offerings: OpenOrbit (end-to-end mission management for satellite design, build, launch and operations), OpenConstellation (global shared satellite infrastructure for Earth observation), and DataCosmos (cloud-based data platform for satellite imagery access and analysis). The ConnectedCosmos LEO constellation adds sovereign broadband connectivity with IoT capabilities. Key products include HYPER-500 hyperspectral imaging satellite with onboard AI, the Atlantic Constellation (ESCA) for European Earth observation, the Greek Hyperion GR programme, and participation in NASA's FAME autonomous operations project. The platform integrates Earth observation, connectivity, and IoT capabilities across the satellite fleet.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- OpenConstellation: Global shared satellite infrastructure enabling access to satellite data for addressing climate crisis, energy, and natural resource challenges.
- OpenOrbit
- DataCosmos
- ConnectedCosmos
- HYPER-500
Products and services
- OpenOrbit End-to-end satellite mission management service for governments and commercial customers covering the full mission lifecycle from concept, design, assembly, integration and testing through launch campaign, in-orbit operations, data delivery, insurance and licensing.
- OpenConstellation
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivers actionable intelligence in as little as 30 minutes vs traditional 3 hours to 2 days for hyperspectral data analysis
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Open Cosmos
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Open Cosmos technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability7 records
Feature7 records
Open Cosmos partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.
- Infinite OrbitsstrategicPartnership for 'Tom & Jerry' LEO Space Situational Awareness demonstration mission. Open Cosmos manufactures two satellite platforms for Infinite Orbits to demonstrate close-range maneuvers and in-orbit inspection capabilities.
- TranscelestialstrategicTranscelestial tested space-to-ground laser communications using Open Cosmos satellite. Open Cosmos 6GStarLab satellite hosted Transcelestial's demonstration payload for commercial-grade Earth-to-space laser communication testing.
- Ubotica TechnologiescorePartnership to bring advanced AI into orbit through NASA's FAME project. Ubotica's SPACE:AI platform powers autonomous satellite operations enabling real-time event detection and dynamic tasking across federated satellite network.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)coreNASA JPL leads the FAME (Flight Demonstration of Federated Autonomous MEasurement) project. Open Cosmos contributes AI-enabled satellites HAMMER and Accenture-1 to demonstrate federated autonomous Earth observation network of 50+ satellites.
- Astroscale UKstrategicOpen Cosmos contracted to build two spacecraft for Astroscale's Orpheus space domain awareness mission for UK Ministry of Defence. Satellites will collect in-situ and remote-sensing data for space domain awareness.
- Rocket LabcoreRocket Lab serves as primary launch partner for Open Cosmos satellites. Successfully launched two satellites in January 2026 using Electron rocket from Mahia, New Zealand for ConnectedCosmos constellation deployment.
- UK Earth Observation Data HubstrategicOpen Cosmos joined as first UK-headquartered EO data provider, sharing datasets from in-orbit and legacy satellites enabling researchers and commercial users to access Earth observation imagery.
- PanasonicstrategicPartnership under UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund to pioneer next-generation connected constellations combining satellite connectivity and Earth observation capabilities.
- MDA Space UKstrategicCollaboration on SkyPhi ESA mission for 5G direct-to-device satellite communications. MDA Space UK leads phases A and B with Open Cosmos contributing satellite platforms, secure communications, and network integration expertise.
- CGIminorUK-based partner contributing to SkyPhi mission alongside MDA Space UK and Open Cosmos for satellite platform and network integration.
- Spanish Space Agency (AEE)coreLead company and coordinator of Spanish component of Atlantic Constellation (ESCA). Leading consortium of Fossa, Satlantis, UPC, MWSE, Alén Space, and CSIC for €30 million Earth observation satellite program.
- LiechtensteincoreLiechtenstein awarded high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings to Open Cosmos for LEO broadband constellation. Critical geopolitical asset enabling sovereign European connectivity infrastructure.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Open Cosmos competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Spire Global: Spire operates a proprietary LEO smallsat constellation delivering weather, maritime, and aviation data via subscription. Direct counterpart to Open Cosmos's OpenConstellation/DataCosmos EO+IoT platform — same target customers (maritime, government, climate) and same data-monetization revenue model.
- ICEYE: ICEYE builds and operates the world's largest commercial SAR satellite constellation, selling imagery and analytics to defense and government buyers. Closely comparable vertically integrated smallsat manufacturer+operator competing for the same sovereign EO contracts across Europe.
- Planet Labs: Planet operates the largest EO satellite fleet (Dove/SuperDove/SkySat) and sells imagery subscriptions to governments, agriculture, and environmental customers. Direct competitor in EO data-as-a-service with similar analytics-platform play.
- Terran Orbital: Terran Orbital designs, manufactures, and integrates smallsats and constellation solutions (acquired by Lockheed Martin). Most direct manufacturing peer given OpenOrbit's vertical-integration thesis and Open Cosmos's defense/SDA platforms.
- AAC Clyde Space: AAC Clyde Space designs, builds, and operates smallsat constellations for government and commercial customers. Similar size, European footprint, and mission-services-to-platform trajectory.
- Astrocast: Astrocast operates a LEO IoT satellite constellation with direct-to-device connectivity for asset tracking. Close comparable to Open Cosmos's IoT/ConnectedCosmos subscription offering for maritime, agriculture, and logistics customers.
- Sateliot: Barcelona-based Sateliot operates a LEO 5G IoT constellation with cellular-direct-to-satellite connectivity. Direct Spanish-region competitor targeting identical IoT-over-satellite use cases for enterprise and government.
- Kepler Communications: Kepler operates an optical LEO broadband data-relay constellation and develops LEO internet-of-things services. Closest technology analog to Open Cosmos's ConnectedCosmos Ka-band broadband-plus-ISL architecture.
Broad incumbents
- Thales Alenia Space: Large European aerospace prime serving as Open Cosmos's co-manufacturer/partner on Atlantic Constellation (ESA programme). Offers overlapping EO and connectivity capabilities but as part of a much broader portfolio of large spacecraft and defense systems.
- Iridium Communications: Operates the Iridium NTN L-band constellation providing global IoT, voice, and broadband services. Larger incumbent in non-terrestrial connectivity competing with ConnectedCosmos at the enterprise/government layer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Open Cosmos social profiles
Digital presenceOpen Cosmos financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Open Cosmos leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Open Cosmos subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Open Cosmos funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors16 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Open Cosmos M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Open Cosmos
What does Open Cosmos do?
Open Cosmos designs, builds, and operates low-Earth orbit satellites through its OpenOrbit end-to-end mission service, covering satellite design, assembly, integration, testing, launch, and in-orbit operations. It runs OpenConstellation, a shared Earth observation satellite infrastructure, and DataCosmos, a cloud-based multi-satellite data platform. The ConnectedCosmos LEO constellation adds sovereign broadband and IoT connectivity to the integrated offering.
Is Open Cosmos a public or private company?
Open Cosmos is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Open Cosmos founded?
Open Cosmos was founded in 2015. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Open Cosmos based?
Open Cosmos is headquartered in Didcot, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Open Cosmos make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Satellite Mission Services are the primary driver. The others are earth Observation Data Products and ioT and Connectivity Services.
Who are Open Cosmos's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Spire Global, ICEYE, Planet Labs, Terran Orbital, AAC Clyde Space, Astrocast, Sateliot and Kepler Communications. Broad incumbents are Thales Alenia Space and Iridium Communications.
Does Open Cosmos have an API?
No public API is recorded for Open Cosmos.
What industry is Open Cosmos in?
Open Cosmos's product category is Satellite Mission Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial), with a secondary code of HDAIAJAB, Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom). Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 3760.