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alma - January 7, 2025. The space company Open Cosmos has presented today the first satellite of the Balearic Islands in an event held at its new Palma offices, located in the Balearic Technological Innovation Park (ParcBit).
Open Cosmos will be in charge of manufacturing and operating this 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 the support of the Hotel Business Federation of Mallorca (FEHM), will develop a series of applications and use cases to provide solutions to climate challenges that affect not only citizens but also key economic activities for the islands, such as tourism.
The main objective of the satellite will be to provide data on the Balearic archipelago that will allow understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on the well-being of the population, environmental sustainability and strategic economic activities for the islands such as tourism.
In addition, the project seeks to support the transition of the tractor sectors of the Balearic economy towards increasingly sustainable models and improve the management of tourist saturation, which affects several destinations in the Balearic Islands.
A key technological advance for the sustainability of the tourism sector
The images and data obtained by the satellite will be fundamental for the management of the territory and critical infrastructures in the Balearic Islands. This data will also contribute to improving the management of emergencies and natural disasters such as wildfires or floods, that unfortunately are becoming more frequent in the Mediterranean basin.
The satellite will provide access to key information to administrations, research centers and companies, which will facilitate more efficient and strategic decision-making in areas such as climate change, land management and tourism sustainability. This approach will strengthen the resilience of the Balearic Islands in challenges like climate change, positioning the Balearic Islands as leaders in innovation and sustainability at an international level.
Local commitment and global impact
The participation of the local community will be an essential component of the project. In a symbolic gesture of inclusion and education, it will be the children from the schools of the Balearic Islands who will choose the name of the satellite, which underlines the connection of the project with the identity and future of the region.
The Vice-President of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Antoni Costa, emphasized that "this satellite is much more than a technological advance; it is a commitment to the future of our islands. It reinforces our vision of sustainability and positions us as a benchmark in innovation within the global space and tourism sector."
Rafel Jordà, CEO and founder of Open Cosmos, has expressed: "Measuring the effects of climate change and human activity on our islands is key to preserving the paradise we live in. For Open Cosmos it is an honor to be able to manufacture the first satellite of the Balearic Islands and contribute to making our islands a better place. This project not only puts the islands on the international map of the space sector, but also reinforces the commitment to sustainability and innovation that defines this community."
José Mañas, CEO of the WDNA group, emphasized: "This is a significant step for the integration of advanced technologies in sustainable management on the current climate reality and extreme weather events. The satellite will allow companies and administrations to anticipate the environmental challenges,
optimising resources and improving the sector's competitiveness."
Commitment of the hotel sector
Maria José Aguiló, vice-president executive of the Hotel Business Federation of Mallorca (FEHM), commented: "This project is a clear example of how collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors can facilitate innovative solutions for the major challenges of the Balearic Islands as a tourism destination.
THe FEHM brings together large hotel chains of the Islands such as Barceló Hotel Grup, Iberostar Group, Hyatt Inclusive Collection Europe, BQ Hotels, Grupotel Hotels & Resorts, Protur Hotels and Universal Beach Hotels. These hotel chains have expressed their interest in the project by sending a letter of support, underlining their commitment to finding joint solutions for the sustainable development of the sector.
International projection and benefits for the tourism sector
The project will not only promote sustainability in the tourist sector of the Balearic Islands, but will also contribute to positioning the islands as an international hub for innovation in space technology. Collaboration between the public, academic and private sectors will create an innovation ecosystem that can inspire and lead similar initiatives in other regions of the world.
Jaume Carot, chancellor of the University of the Balearic Islands, has highlighted the fundamental role of the University in research and the development of technologies to mitigate the impact of climate change. "This project is a clear example of how scientific research can contribute to the improvement of society. We are very proud to be part of such a transformative initiative for the Balearic Islands."
The satellite's launch date is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, and its development is expected to be an international benchmark for how space technology can be applied to combat the effects of climate change and promote a more sustainable tourism.
With this initiative, the Balearic Islands will not only consolidate its position as a first-class tourist destination, but will also establish itself as a leader in research and technological development applied to sustainability.
