Satellite manufacturer Open Cosmos has revealed it is aiming to build more than 96 satellites by the end of 2028 to form its ConnectedCosmos low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation specialized for government, institutional, and commercial customers seeking sovereign European technology delivering broadband and Internet of Things (IoT).

The constellation will also serve as a transport layer for the company’s existing Earth observation (EO) capacity.

Open Cosmos is now in “advanced conversations” with launch providers for new spaceflight missions between late 2026 and mid-2027.

“The 192 satellites are the foundation, not the ceiling,” Rafel Jordà Siquier, founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, said. “As in everything we do, there’s room to grow and meet demand as it builds. When customers and partner nations need more capacity, we can deliver it quickly. With full interoperability potential, every new commitment and every system that joins the network helps it grow stronger, more resilient, and more valuable for all its users.”

Harwell, UK-based Open Cosmos claims the capability to produce one ConnectedCosmos satellite a day using its European manufacturing assets, and is now exploring a cooperative model to extend its production capacity through a federation of European sources. In mid-September, the company closed a €300 million ($348.6M) Series C at a $1 billion+ valuation led by Lightrock, which reportedly made the company a new European space unicorn.

Emphasizing the constellation’s optical intersatellite links (ISLs), the company drew attention to the “ever-increasing risk” of interference, jamming, and cyber-attack against “compromised subsea cables and hostile terrestrial infrastructure.” The company avoided detailing its approach to the security risk of the downlink stage, where cyber activity is most likely to occur.

Founded in 2015 through the Entrepreneur First startup incubator, which also joined the Series C, the company now comprises almost 400 people across the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece.

Open Cosmos’ Series C also featured participation from ETF Partners, Institut Català de Finances, Entrepreneurs First, and two major international pension funds. They were joined by Convex Group, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Phoenix Court, and Claret Capital Partners.

“Lightrock is delighted to be leading Open Cosmos’ funding round and supporting this European leader as it enters its next stage of growth in the space economy,” said Ash Puri, partner at Lightrock. “Open Cosmos’ stellar mission record, manufacturing capability, and scientific expertise position it to become a global leader in this critically important sector.”