With the launch of SpainSat NG I, Spain has become the fifth European country capable of providing satellite-secured communications to NATO.
The advanced military satellite was successfully deployed on January 30 at 2.34 am (Spanish time) from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and developed by Spanish government operator Hisdesat.
Strengthening defence and secure communications
SpainSat NG I marks one of Spain’s most significant achievements in space technology. This next-generation satellite will provide secure communications for the Spanish armed forces and NATO allies, ensuring encrypted and protected transmissions. The project took over five years to develop and cost more than €2 billion.
Its twin, SpainSat NG II, is scheduled for launch later this year. Together, they will provide coverage from the US West Coast to Singapore.
Cutting-edge technology and cybersecurity
Measuring 6.7 metres in height and weighing nearly six tons, SpainSat NG I is now en route to its final orbital position 36,000 kilometres above Earth. The journey will take five months, and the satellite is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
Equipped with state-of-the-art cybersecurity features, SpainSat NG I offers advanced protection against cyberattacks and signal interceptions. The satellite will enhance Spain’s defence capabilities and benefit NATO members, including the US, Portugal, and Norway.
Spain joins an exclusive group
Until now, only four NATO countries—the US, UK, France, and Italy—had military satellites that met the alliance’s stringent security standards. With Spain’s entry into this elite group, the country strengthens its position in global defence and space technology.
Economic and strategic benefits
The launch of SpainSat NG I is not just a technological milestone but also a boost for Spain’s space industry. According to Deputy Minister of Defence Amparo Valcarce, the satellite project has created high-skilled jobs and positioned Spain as a key player in the global space race.
“A country that is not present in space will lose the crucial race for progress,” Valcarce stated. With this launch, Spain asserts its commitment to space exploration, defence innovation, and economic growth.