ESA and Hisdesat prepare to launch advanced secure communications satellite
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jan 29, 2025
Hisdesat, Spain’s leading provider of secure satellite communications, is set to launch the SpainSat Next Generation I (SNG I) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 29 at 20:34 EST (January 30 at 02:34 CET) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellite will deliver enhanced, cost-effective, and secure communication services to governments and emergency response teams across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, including Singapore.
This launch is a major milestone in European space collaboration under the Pacis 3 Partnership Project. The project is a joint effort between ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications initiative, Hisdesat, and Airbus Defence and Space. Pacis 3 is a key component of the broader SpainSat Next Generation programme, which includes two satellites built on Airbus’ Eurostar Neo platform.
While Hisdesat has overseen the satellite’s development, ESA has led the creation of its advanced communications payload. This payload incorporates cutting-edge antenna technology that ensures faster data transmission, robust security, and precise beam steering. The satellite’s design also involved contributions from several Spanish firms, including Sener, Indra, Arquimea, Tecnobit, GMV, and Airbus Crisa.
The satellite, weighing 6.1 tonnes and standing 7.2 meters tall, is equipped with specialized systems to prevent interference and maintain secure communications. Its advanced antenna technology dynamically adjusts coverage, optimizing bandwidth allocation to meet user demand and environmental conditions. This adaptability ensures dependable communication for all users.
Following launch, the satellite will travel to its geostationary orbit, positioned 35,786 kilometers above Earth. Upon arrival, it will undergo in-orbit acceptance testing before commencing operational service.
“SpainSat NG represents the next generation of secure satellite communications in Europe. This launch marks a key milestone in providing more adaptable and secure communications services that will benefit governmental users across Europe and beyond,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
“We are proud to have worked alongside our partners to integrate the Pacis 3 payload into SpainSat NG I. This collaboration underscores the strength of European cooperation in advancing space technology. Pacis 3 will not only enhance secure communication capabilities for governments but also contribute to the long-term competitiveness and expertise of Europe,” added Oscar Del Rio Herrero, ESA’s Pacis 3 Project Manager.
“SpainSat NG is the most important and ambitious space program carried out by Spain, developed through a Public Private Partnership between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Hisdesat, with the collaboration of the Spanish Ministries of Industry and Tourism, and Science, Innovation and Universities. The European most advanced and protected software-defined satellite, including state-of-the-art X-Band active antennas, will provide highly secure and resilient satellite communications to the Spanish Armed Forces and our allies in Europe and NATO,” said Miguel Angel Garcia Primo, Hisdesat CEO.
“The SpainSat NG satellite is a flagship project for Airbus; being the most advanced secure communications satellite currently in Europe and ready to serve the needs of tomorrow. The development of advanced products under partnership programmes such as the X-Band active antennas onboard SpainSat NG are key to securing European know-how and sovereignty in the space domain,” noted Enrique Granell, SpainSat NG Project Manager at Airbus in Spain.
Related Links
Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA
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