FOSSA Systems has launched the company’s new generation of satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aerospace startup is placing three FOSSASats into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the Transporter 12 mission.
This milestone, aimed at achieving “satellite roaming for IoT connectivity,” coincides with the inauguration of FOSSA’s first international subsidiary in Lisbon, Portugal.
Once launched, the nanosatellites will eject from their dispenser and enter LEO at an altitude of approximately 500 km. They will circle the Earth 15 times a day, traveling at 27,000 km/h. Within a few hours, the satellites will establish a connection with FOSSA’s ground stations in Madrid and across the globe. Following this, a commissioning phase lasting several weeks will begin to ensure the systems are operational and ready for commercial use.
FOSSA’s new generation of nanosatellites, developed and manufactured entirely at its Madrid headquarters, measures 30x10x10 cm when folded, with a deployed wingspan of 54 cm, a mass of 6 kg, and a power generation capacity exceeding 30W. These satellites are 24 times larger than FOSSASat-1, the company’s first picosatellite, and 12 times larger than the FOSSASat-2E series launched in January 2022. Each satellite can serve thousands of assets in Spain and hundreds of thousands worldwide.
In addition to size, durability has also improved. Unlike their predecessors, which had a lifespan of 12-18 months, the new FOSSASats can remain on-orbit for 5 to 7 years, after which they will disintegrate without leaving space debris.
FOSSA Systems, an European aerospace startup specializing in global IoT connectivity solutions for remote asset and infrastructure management, has launched 17 nanosatellites since its founding. With this launch, the number rises to 20, and many more are planned for 2025 as the company works toward deploying a constellation of 80 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide global coverage for clients in industries such as energy, utilities, construction, agriculture, logistics, oil & gas, and national security.
Additionally, FOSSA offers dedicated satellites and constellations for companies, governments, and institutions requiring proprietary infrastructure for IoT, radiofrequency, and other payloads.
FOSSA Systems is the first and only company in Spain to manufacture satellites and provide its own satellite communication service. By developing its own space technology and using proprietary networks, FOSSA guarantees advanced data encryption and compliance with global security standards. This also reduces costs and development time.
FOSSA Systems recently opened its first international subsidiary in Portugal, focused on R&D. Coordinated from its Madrid headquarters, this new office aims to increase the company’s global presence and access new markets
“These satellites mark another milestone in our mission to deliver cutting-edge IoT solutions from space. They also signify the beginning of FOSSA’s commercial phase,” said Julián Fernández, CEO and co-founder of the company. “FOSSA is the only European company to vertically integrate satellite design, production, and operation for IoT and communication with standardized protocols. This is a strategic capability essential for Spain and Europe, considering the advancements in other regions. From its headquarters on Madrid’s Gran Vía, FOSSA manufactures and assembles its devices to provide satellite connectivity in remote and inaccessible areas, covering approximately 80% of the planet. FOSSA’s constellation allows you to manage your assets anywhere in the world.”
About FOSSA Systems
FOSSA Systems is a European company specializing in satellite development to provide comprehensive remote asset management solutions using low-power IoT technologies for industrial applications. FOSSA has expertise in the design, development, and operation of satellite platforms, ground stations, and IoT devices. Since 2022, the company has launched 17 satellites and is deploying a constellation of 80 in low Earth orbit to provide global coverage for clients in sectors such as energy, utilities, oil & gas, logistics, and national security. Founded in July 2020 by Julián Fernández and Vicente González, FOSSA has partnered with Microsoft R&D to provide accessible satellite IoT connectivity for agricultural use cases.
