The spectrum allocation, regarded as a strategically important geopolitical asset for Europe, represents a major milestone in Open Cosmos’ plans to build an independent and resilient space-based communications and data processing network.
Liechtenstein’s Minister of Home Affairs, Economy and Sport, Hubert Büchel, said the decision reflected the principality’s commitment to making effective use of its allocated frequencies.
“This decision underscores Liechtenstein’s determination to utilise the frequencies assigned to us. We are pleased that, through this agreement with Open Cosmos, they will be put to good and productive use,” he said.
The UK government backed Open Cosmos’ bid for the highly sought after spectrum. UK Space Minister Baroness Liz Lloyd welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major win for both the company and Britain’s growing space sector.
“This is fantastic news for Open Cosmos and for the UK’s thriving space industry. Securing these valuable spectrum rights is a testament to British ingenuity and ambition, and it’s great to see a UK company taking the lead in building next-generation satellite communications systems,” she said.
“With the potential to create hundreds of highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs at their Harwell facility, this project shows how the space sector is delivering real economic opportunities while strengthening the UK’s position in the global space economy.”
Open Cosmos has recorded a 100 per cent success rate over more than a decade, launching telecommunications, Earth observation and scientific satellites. The company is now applying that experience to satellite connectivity and communications, aiming to provide real-time data services for government, enterprise and institutional users across Europe and beyond.
Founder and chief executive Rafel Jordá Siquier said the spectrum award marked a turning point for the company.
“Securing these Ka-band filings from Liechtenstein is a defining moment for Open Cosmos. It gives us a unique opportunity to help realise Europe’s space ambitions and unlock its true potential,” he said. “With our full-stack approach to satellite design, manufacturing, launch and operations, we can move quickly and expect our first satellites to be deployed within weeks.”
Open Cosmos, which already works with governments in the UK, Portugal, Greece and Spain, plans to launch the first two satellites in the new constellation in the first quarter of 2026. The spacecraft have been built at the company’s headquarters in Harwell, Oxfordshire, with engineering teams in Spain, Portugal and Greece also contributing.
Rocket Lab has been confirmed as the launch provider, with the mission scheduled to lift-off from the company’s Mahia launch complex in New Zealand.