Satellite firm joins space park to track solar wind

The space park was developed by the University of Leicester

A satellite and information firm has joined Space Park Leicester to support a project which monitors near Earth space.

Open Cosmos has made the move as part of efforts to strengthen links with the scientific community and will assist with the development of the Elfen project.

Satellite data from the firm is enabling organisations across the world to address challenges such as monitoring agriculture and tracking deforestation, Space Park Leicester added.

The space park said the firm is helping to accelerate the mission design process by helping scientists and engineers on site.

Open Cosmos has launched two Earth observation satellites this year.

Adrian Martindale, head of space projects and instrumentation at Space Park Leicester, said: “[Open Cosmos] design, build, launch and operate advanced satellites; enable organisations to access and share data and offer AI-powered data analysis from a growing range of satellite sources and analytic partners via its data platform DataCosmos.

“We’re very proud that they have joined us at Space Park Leicester and we’re looking forward to working with Open Cosmos as they play their part in helping to make the UK’s satellite market more accessible and further establishing the UK as a global space leader.”

The Elfen project aims to measure the solar wind, matter blown from the sun into the solar system, in near Earth space.

Rafel Jorda Siquier, CEO and founder of Open Cosmos, said the firm's "commitment to solving Earth's challenges" through advanced satellite technology "aligns perfectly with the innovative spirit of Leicester’s space community".

He added: "By complementing our capabilities in Earth Observation mission and data analysis, we aim to support additional scientific missions and insights derived from satellite data.

"We’re excited to collaborate with Space Park Leicester to advance the UK’s position in the global space industry.”