Spain has launched its second next-generation communications satellite, SpainSat NG-II, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing the country’s largest and most advanced space defense program to date.
The program, led by Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos for the Spanish Ministry of Defence, aims to give Madrid secure and reliable communication links for “military operations and humanitarian missions.”
Alongside its twin satellite launched in January, SpainSat NG-II will begin service in 2026, supporting the Spanish Armed Forces, NATO, the European Union Governmental Satellite Communications network, and partner nations.
Adaptable, Nuke-Proof Technology
SpainSat NG-II is a 7-meter (23-foot), 6-ton (12,000-pound) satellite built on Airbus’ Eurostar Neo platform that carries a new-generation antenna system and can shift and adjust its signal coverage nearly 1,000 times per second.
The system can detect signal jamming attempts, pinpoint their source, and is protected against nuclear-related electromagnetic pulses.
About half of the spacecraft’s components were developed and produced by Spain’s space industry, which played a key role in the design and manufacturing process.
“With SpainSat NG, Spain will be at the forefront of Europe and among the few countries with access to the most secure communications networks, providing sovereignty and strategic autonomy,” said Raquel González Sola, head of Airbus Space Systems.
Collaboration Across Europe
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, worked alongside Airbus to build and assemble the satellites.
The company handled the ultrahigh frequency and military radio wave (Ka-band) payloads and integrated key communications modules at its Tres Cantos facility in Madrid.
“This launch marks the culmination of a transformative project for the Spanish space industry,” Thales Alenia Space CEO Ismael López commented.
“Successfully leading the development of the communications payloads for SpainSat NG places our national industry on a higher level.”
