A few hours ago under the sky of Cape Canaveral, not only a SpaceX rocket took off, but the culmination of the Spain’s most ambitious space program: the SpainSat NG II satellitea project that places the country at the forefront of technology and global security.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket carried inside a jewel of Spanish engineering: the SpainSat NG II satellite. Operated by Hisdesat and promoted by the Ministry of Defense, this launch is not an isolated eventbut the final piece that completes the SpainSat NG program.
With this project, Spain not only puts two twin satellites into orbit; seals a “before and after” in its space industry. Never before has a satellite system of this magnitude been developed in the country.: each satellite weighs more than 6 tons and reaches 7.3 meters in height and has a level of technical complexity that places them among the most innovative in the world.
The mission of SpainSat NG II, and that of its twin SpainSat NG I, is clear and of vital importance: constitute the most advanced government communications system in Europe. Starting in the spring of 2026, they will begin to operate together, creating a coverage network that will serve two-thirds of the Earth, from the United States to Singapore.
Their Secure communications capabilities will be at the service of the Spanish Armed Forcesinternational organizations such as NATO and the European Commission (in the GOVSATCOM program) and also with governments of allied countries.
Deployment of SpainSat NG II confirmed pic.twitter.com/4ZCbbcsgXr
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 24, 2025
This converts to Spain is a fundamental pillar for defense and collective securityproviding a top-level strategic asset. They are the most advanced secure communications satellites in Europe.
The satellites have a 45% participation of Spanish companies, involving practically the entire national space sector. Under the leadership of Airbus Defense & Space and Thales Alenia Space, firms such as Indra, Sener and Hispasat, among others, have contributed to the success of the project.
This reduces external dependence and strengthens Spain’s position.at the international concert. After its launch, SpainSat NG II will orbit our planet in a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Now begins a journey of 5 to 6 months, supervised by the Airbus and Hisdesat teams, until reaching its final position 36,000 km from Earth, on the 30th west meridian. Once there, and after validation in flight, it will be ready to deploy its full potential.