27/01/2025
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Hisdesat, Spain’s premier provider of secure satellite communications, is set to launch its SpainSat Next Generation I (SNG I) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on 29 January from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 20:34 EST (30 January at 02:34 CET). The European Space Agency (ESA)-supported satellite will provide more cost-effective, adaptable and secure communication services for governments and emergency response teams across Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and up to Singapore in Asia.
The launch marks a significant milestone in European space collaboration through the Pacis 3 Partnership Project between ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, Hisdesat and Airbus Defence and Space. Pacis 3 is part of Hisdesat’s much larger SpainSat Next Generation programme, which comprises two satellites based on Airbus’ Eurostar Neo product line.
While Hisdesat has led the satellite’s development, ESA has spearheaded the creation of its advanced communications payload, featuring innovative antenna technology that enables faster data transmission, enhanced security, and the ability to precisely direct communication beams where needed. Several Spanish companies were also involved in developing the satellite’s advanced systems including Sener, Indra, Arquimea, Tecnobit, GMV and Airbus Crisa.
Weighing 6.1 tonnes and standing 7.2 m tall, the new satellite carries special equipment that protects it from interference and ensures that communications remain private and secure. The satellite’s advanced antenna system can adjust its coverage in real time, optimising bandwidth allocation depending on user demand and environmental conditions. This flexibility ensures that users always have access to reliable communications.
After launch, the satellite will travel to its final position in geostationary orbit 35,786 km above Earth – nearly three times the diameter of Earth itself. Once in place, it will undergo in-orbit acceptance tests before becoming operational.
“SpainSat NG represents the next generation of secure satellite communications in Europe. This launch marks a key milestone in providing more adaptable and secure communications services that will benefit governmental users across Europe and beyond,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
“We are proud to have worked alongside our partners to integrate the Pacis 3 payload into SpainSat NG I. This collaboration underscores the strength of European cooperation in advancing space technology. Pacis 3 will not only enhance secure communication capabilities for governments, but also contribute to the long-term competitiveness and expertise of Europe,” said Oscar Del Rio Herrero, ESA’s Pacis 3 Project Manager.
“SpainSat NG is the most important and ambitious space program carried on by Spain, developed through a Public Private Partnership between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Hisdesat, with the collaboration of the Spanish Ministries of Industry and Tourisim, and Science, Innovation and Universities. The European most advanced and protected software define satellite, including state of the art X-Band active antennas, will provide a very high secure and resilient satellite communications to the Spanish Armed Forces and to our allies in Europe and NATO,” said Miguel Ángel García Primo, Hisdesat CEO.
“The SpainSat NG satellite is a flagship project for Airbus; being the most advanced secure communications satellite currently in Europe and ready to serve the needs of tomorrow. The development of advanced products under partnership programmes such as the X-Band active antennas onboard SpainSat NG are key to secure the European know-how and sovereignty in the space domain,” said Enrique Granell, SpainSat NG Project Manager at Airbus in Spain.
