Sateliot, a Barcelona-based satellite telecommunications operator founded in 2018, has successfully launched five new satellites for its 5G NTN IoT network, the company announced. The mission, named Draconis, launched as scheduled and brings the total number of Sateliot satellites launched since its founding to 11.
The launch comes at a time when Europe’s satellite IoT market is expanding. According to Fortune Business Insights, Europe generated approximately $580 million in satellite IoT revenue in 2025, representing 28.79% of the global market, and is projected to reach $670 million in 2026. The UK market is expected to reach $210 million, while Germany is projected to reach $130 million by 2026.
Approximately one hour after separation from the launch vehicle, signal was successfully acquired from all five satellites, confirming their nominal initial status in orbit, according to the company. Sateliot said their incorporation into the constellation will reduce the time between satellite passes and increase connection opportunities for devices, doubling the average number of daily passes and halving revisit time.
The five new units include technological improvements compared with the four satellites launched in 2024. Sateliot said these include an optimized payload, a more reliable and efficient onboard data storage system, upgraded versions of the onboard central computer and attitude control system, greater stability and easier in-orbit manoeuvres, and memory systems more resilient to space conditions, particularly radiation.
The satellites will orbit at an altitude of 510 km. Each measures 20 x 10 x 35 centimetres, weighs 10 kg and has an operational lifetime of five years. Alén Space was responsible for their manufacturing, while Exolaunch handled their integration with the launch vehicle.
Mobile connectivity beyond terrestrial networks
Sateliot’s satellites operate as telecommunications towers in space, extending mobile operators’ coverage through wholesale agreements so they can provide Internet of Things services in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
The five new satellites form part of a planned constellation of more than 500 satellites that the company says will evolve through successive technological generations, from massive IoT to higher-capacity and mission-critical services, including D2D capabilities.
“The Draconis mission is a strong reflection of where the company stands today. We have validated the technology and are now increasing capacity and service regularity to scale together with mobile operators. Our goal is to make satellite connectivity a natural extension of their networks wherever terrestrial coverage does not reach and, using this same standards-based and interoperable infrastructure, evolve towards increasingly critical and resilient services. We are building a European telecommunications infrastructure based on our own technology, built on the 3GPP standard and with a global ambition,” said Jaume Sanpera, CEO and co-founder of Sateliot.
The company did not disclose financial details of the mission.
