SpaceX set to launch Hisdesat's SpainSat NG I satellite on January 28

SpaceX set to launch Hisdesat's SpainSat NG I satellite on January 28
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Jan 20, 2025

The SpainSat NG I secure communications satellite, owned by the Spanish governmental operator Hisdesat, is scheduled to launch on January 28. SpaceX, the U.S.-based aerospace company, will carry out the mission, utilizing its Falcon 9 rocket to place the satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The launch is slated for the evening of January 28 in the United States, which corresponds to the early hours of January 29 in Europe.

This mission marks a key milestone for the Spanish space industry. Weighing 6.1 tons and standing 7.2 meters tall, SpainSat NG I is the largest and most complex satellite ever launched by Spain. Notably, 45% of its components were developed by Spanish companies, representing an unprecedented level of national participation. Virtually every sector of Spain's space industry has contributed to this landmark project.

After five years of intensive development, SpainSat NG I began its journey to Cape Canaveral on January 10, where it is undergoing final preparations for launch.

SpainSat NG I is recognized as Europe's most advanced secure communications satellite and ranks among the most innovative worldwide. It is expected to begin operations by the latter half of 2025, providing services to the Spanish Armed Forces, NATO, the European Commission (under the GOVSATCOM program), and other allied governments.

The satellite's development reflects a robust public-private collaboration led by the Ministry of Defense and Hisdesat. Additional funding and support have been provided by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, as well as contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Pacis 3 Program, the Spanish Center for the Development of Industrial Technological (CDTI, now the Spanish Space Agency), and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.

HISDESAT, Spain's governmental satellite operator, specializes in secure and reliable satellite communications for institutional clients. The company's satellite fleet supports a range of critical services, including Earth observation and satellite AIS. SPAINSAT NG represents Hisdesat's largest and most ambitious project to date, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in secure satellite communications.