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Open Cosmos plans to launch EO satellites
Open Cosmos, a UK-based company, has completed a funding round in which it has raised USD 50 million in investment. The company will use the funds to develop a network of EO satellites to monitor the dynamics of climate change on Earth from space. The startup plans to launch five satellites in 2024.
The idea behind Open Cosmos is to use high-tech equipment to track how human activity is affecting the planet. The startup’s satellites are equipped with innovative sensors and artificial intelligence systems to do this. They collect and analyse data on temperature rises, levels of greenhouse gases and their impact on Earth’s processes. The satellites also provide information (including imagery) on melting glaciers, the extent of deforestation, rising and falling sea levels and other key events. This information enables scientists to see the true picture of climate change and develop measures to reduce the damage it causes.
Open Cosmos satellite features
According to startup founder Rafel Jorda Siquier, the Open Cosmos solution provides state-of-the-art tools for analysing and visualising climatic processes affecting the planet’s health and living organisms. This information will help design and implement effective programmes to slow the negative dynamics of environmental degradation.
In early 2023, the company placed the startup’s satellite on a SpaceX rocket and launched it into space. It will monitor the state of green spaces, the impact of forest fires and the extent of deforestation. The satellite will also monitor coastal erosion.
Each of the 5 Open Cosmos objects launching in 2024 has its own list of tasks:
- PLATERO – monitors the impact of agriculture on the environment in Andalusia;
- IOD6 – designed to analyse coastal areas and Atlantic waters, providing video and photographic records of the dynamics of change;
- MANTIS, which will have an impact on natural resource reserves and development, as well as on the logistics and energy sectors;
- ALISIO1, which will monitor the situation in the Canary Islands to optimise agricultural processes and predict the occurrence of environmental and natural disasters;
- PHISAT2 is a satellite with six AI applications designed to process all the information.
All equipment will be a part of the OpenConstellation programme, which will allow information exchange and access to satellite operations.
It is worth noting that the EO satellite segment is gaining momentum. It will be worth more than USD 11 billion by 2031. This is increasing interest in the market from major investors.