Airbus Successfully Deploys SpainSat NG-II for Enhancing Spain’s Secure Defense Communications

Airbus has successfully launched SpainSat NG-II, the second of two next-generation secure communications satellites for Spain’s Ministry of Defence. The launch, conducted from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marks the completion of the SpainSat NG programme—Spain’s most ambitious space project to date.

The SpainSat NG programme, led by the Spanish satellite operator Hisdesat, aims to provide the Spanish Armed Forces, NATO, the European Commission under the GOVSATCOM programme, and allied governments with the most advanced government communications system in Europe. The twin satellites are designed to operate together, ensuring secure and resilient communications for a wide range of defence and governmental operations.

Specifications and Capabilities

SpainSat NG-II is built on Airbus’s Eurostar Neo platform, measuring approximately 7 meters in height and weighing around 6 tons. The satellite carries a cutting-edge digital payload with an active X-band antenna system, capable of dynamically reconfiguring beams up to 1,000 times per second. This allows it to adapt rapidly to changing operational demands while maintaining secure communications even in contested or challenging environments.

In addition to X-band, SpainSat NG-II operates across military Ka-band and UHF frequencies, offering versatile communication channels for different operational needs. The satellite incorporates advanced anti-jamming technology and secure encryption, ensuring robust, uninterrupted communications for military and governmental missions. With an expected operational lifespan of 15 years, SpainSat NG-II, along with its twin launched in January 2025, is slated to enter service by spring 2026.

Strategic Importance

The deployment of SpainSat NG-II represents a significant step forward for Spain’s defence and space capabilities. By integrating state-of-the-art satellite technology, Spain is enhancing its position in secure communications across Europe and NATO. The new satellites not only strengthen national security but also contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy in space-based communications, supporting critical defence, emergency, and governmental functions.

As both SpainSat NG satellites prepare to enter service in 2026, they are expected to play a key role in providing secure, reliable communication across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, ensuring Spain remains at the forefront of military-grade satellite communications.

This successful launch underscores Airbus’s continued leadership in space technology and Spain’s commitment to advancing secure, resilient communication capabilities for the 21st century.