Sateliot: European Strategic-Technological Analysis
A Barcelona-based startup is quietly reshaping satellite communications in Europe. Sateliot was founded to extend the reach of the Internet of Things beyond terrestrial limits, aiming to connect sensors and devices in the most remote corners of the globe. Instead of relying on foreign satellite networks, this Spanish venture is deploying its own constellation of nanosatellites that act like cell towers in space. The company’s vision aligns with Europe’s drive for technological sovereignty: using standard 5G IoT protocols, Sateliot enables ordinary cellular devices to communicate via orbit, eliminating the need for proprietary hardware or non-European networks. In just a few years, the startup has attracted prominent European investors and institutional support, signaling its potential strategic importance. Sateliot’s emergence comes at a pivotal moment when the EU is prioritizing secure connectivity, space resilience, and reduced dependence on non-allied suppliers. The following analysis delves into how this young company is contributing to Europe’s strategic autonomy in space-based IoT communications and what it means for the continent’s defense and dual-use technology landscape.