On January 14th, the Spanish startup launches three FOSSASats aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, marking a significant step forward for IoT connectivity and communications from space.
FOSSA Systems begins 2025 by reaching for the stars.
The company, founded by Julián Fernández and Vicente González, launches its new generation of satellites today, January 14th, at 19:48 CET (Spanish time) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. The aerospace startup is placing three FOSSASats into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the Transporter 12 mission led by Elon Musk’s company.
This milestone, aimed at achieving “satellite roaming for IoT connectivity,” coincides with the inauguration of FOSSA’s first international subsidiary in Lisbon, Portugal. The team will watch the launch on a large screen at the new office.
Once launched, the nanosatellites will eject from their dispenser and enter Low Earth Orbit (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 worldwide. Following this, a commissioning phase lasting several weeks will begin to ensure the systems are operational and ready for commercial use.
Julián Fernández, CEO and co-founder of the company, said:
“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.”
The New FOSSASats
FOSSA continues to grow, and so do its satellites. The 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 in orbit for 5-7 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.
Security and Sovereignty
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 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,” said Fernández.
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,” added Fernández.
International Expansion
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. “We see this new center as a great opportunity to harness Portugal’s potential,” said the CEO.
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