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he first satellite of the Balearic Islands will mark a historic milestone for innovation and sustainability in the archipelago. Manufactured by the space company Open Cosmos in collaboration with the Government of the Balearic Islands, Wireless DNA S.L., the University of the Balearic Islands, and Garden Hotels, this satellite will play a key role in collecting data to combat climate change and improve land and tourism management.
During an event held at the auditorium of the Balearic Park of Technological Innovation (ParcBit), the objectives and technical details of the project were presented, including its dimensions, instruments, and the orbit in which it will operate. The event was attended by Rafel Jordà, CEO and founder of Open Cosmos, Margalida Prohens, President of the Balearic Government, and various institutional and business representatives. Educational workshops were also organized with Balearic schools to encourage students' interest in science and space technology.
This satellite, named "Posidonia", was chosen through a public vote in which children from the archipelago actively participated. The name refers to the emblematic Mediterranean seagrass, essential for the conservation of the Balearic ecosystem and a symbol of the fight for sustainability.
A Historic Milestone for the Balearic Islands
In her speech, President Margalida Prohens highlighted the strategic importance of the project: "Today, we are making history with a pioneering project that marks a before and after in research. The Balearic Islands must be an innovative reference in Spain and Europe, and initiatives like the development of our own satellite place us at the forefront of this future."
Meanwhile, Rafel Jordà, CEO of Open Cosmos, praised the public's participation in the name selection process: "The fact that the satellite’s name was chosen by schools and the people of the Balearic Islands is clear proof of how society can get involved in high-impact scientific and technological projects. For me, as a Mallorcan, it is an honor to be part of this innovative project, which will open new opportunities for research and development in the space sector."
A Project for a More Sustainable Future
The "Posidonia" satellite's main goal will be to collect data on the Balearic archipelago to understand the effects of climate change on key aspects such as environmental sustainability and the management of strategic economic activities like tourism. This technology will help transition productive sectors toward more sustainable models and assist in gathering data to better manage tourism saturation in certain areas of the islands.
Open Cosmos will be responsible for manufacturing and operating the satellite, co-financed with European funds from the Government of the Balearic Islands. Wireless DNA S.L., the University of the Balearic Islands, and Garden Hotels, with support from the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM), will develop a series of applications and use cases to address climate challenges affecting not only residents but also key economic activities in the region.
The satellite is scheduled for launch in February 2026, and its development is expected to become an international reference on how space technology can be applied to combat climate change and promote more sustainable tourism.
Balearic Islands: A Leader in Sustainability and Technological Innovation
The images and data obtained by the satellite will be essential for gathering information to support land management and critical infrastructure planning in the Balearic Islands. Government agencies, research centers, and businesses will have access to this information to improve decision-making in areas such as climate change mitigation, urban planning, and sustainable tourism.
This initiative strengthens the Balearic Islands' position as a leader in research and technological development applied to sustainability, reinforcing their commitment to a greener and more innovative future.
