The SpainSat NG II satellite – one of the most advanced satellites in the world – has successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral (Florida) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

This launch completes the SpainSat NG constellation, which will guarantee secure communications for the Spanish Armed Forces and allied countries for decades to come, and establishes Spain as a benchmark in the field.

Hisdesat, owner and operator of SpainSat NG I and II, has been the driving force behind this programme for the Spanish Ministry of Defence, promoting technological development and Spanish industry in the sector.

SpainSat NG II is part of a twin satellite system, together with SpainSat NG I, which was launched on 30 January and has been operational since August. With an investment of over 2 billion euros, the new satellites incorporate cutting-edge dual military and civilian technology, including the most advanced active antennas in Europe.

At more than 6 tonnes and 7.3 metres high, these satellites will provide coverage from Denver to Singapore once they are operational, guaranteeing secure communications for over 15 years.

The Spanish space industry has played an important role in designing and implementing this highly complex technological project, and more than 45% of the new satellites’ payload has been developed with the involvement of practically the country’s entire space sector.

According to the latest data published in the ‘Economic and Social Impact of the Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space Industry (2024)’ report, prepared by PwC for the Spanish Association of Defence, Security and Aerospace Technology Companies (TEDAE), the Spanish space industry’s turnover in 2024 was 14.9% higher than the previous year, reaching almost 1.3 billion euros. It also created over 22,700 jobs.

^{Source: Spanish Ministry of Defence
Photo: Spanish Ministry of Defence}