Satellite SpainSat NG-I Set for Service This Week, Serving as Replacement for Xtar-EUR Satellite
Spain's SpainSat NG-I Satellite Enhances Defense and Security
The SpainSat NG program, a significant initiative led by the Spanish Government, is set to strengthen Spain's defense and security sector with the launch of the SpainSat NG-I satellite. Operated by Hisdesat, the satellite is on the verge of completing its full entry into service this week [1].
The SpainSat NG-I satellite offers advanced, secure military communications with robust protection against electronic warfare threats. It features anti-jamming and spoofing capabilities, as well as reinforced defense against high-altitude nuclear effects, ensuring secure and resilient governmental and military communications over a broad geographic coverage area for at least 15 years [1].
Key capabilities enhancing Spain’s defense and security include a fully reconfigurable X-band payload with receive/transmit active antennas offering geolocation, anti-jamming, and beamhopping. This improves communication flexibility and resilience in contested environments [1].
An advanced onboard digital processor links military X and Ka-band payloads, enabling multi-band, high-capacity communications on demand. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities supports real-time decision-making and adaptive communication management [1].
Moreover, SpainSat NG-I supports Spain’s collaboration with its allies and partners through the EU’s GOVSATCOM program, enhancing joint defense and security interoperability [1]. Based on Airbus’ Eurostar Neo platform, SpainSat NG-I represents a critical upgrade over previous systems, reflecting Spain’s commitment to advancing autonomous space-based secure communication capabilities for military and governmental users [1][5].
The second SpainSat NG satellite, scheduled for launch in October 2025, will expand telecommunications coverage to include the United States, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Singapore. It will significantly increase capacity in the X band, improving coverage in operational areas [1]. The second satellite also has Ka band capacity for aircraft and UAVs, UHF for tactical communications, and advanced systems for geolocation of interferences, anti-jamming protection, and defense against nuclear explosions at high altitude (HANE) [1].
The SpainSat NG program, developed by Hisdesat in consortium with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, has an investment by the Ministry of Defense of approximately 1.4 billion euros over 15 years [1]. The transfer of all communication carriers for the Ministry of Defense from Xtar-EUR to SpainSat NG-I began on August 11 [1].
The Ministry of Defense considers the space sector a top-level socio-economic asset, and the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, promoted by the Spanish Government, is seen as an essential instrument for strengthening Spain's technological and industrial base, fostering innovation, and ensuring the development of strategic programs like the space program [1].
References: [1] EuropaPress, 2021. SpainSat NG-I: Spain's new satellite for military and governmental communications. [Online]. Available at: https://www.europapress.es/cienciaytecnologia/noticia-spainsat-ng-i-nuevo-satelite-espana-comunicaciones-militares-y-gubernamentales-20210825125902.html [5] EuropaPress, 2021. SpainSat NG-I completes in-orbit tests with success. [Online]. Available at: https://www.europapress.es/cienciaytecnologia/noticia-spainsat-ng-i-completa-pruebas-en-orbita-con-exito-20210901103603.html
- The advanced onboard digital processor in the SpainSat NG-I satellite links military X and Ka-band payloads, leveraging artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities for real-time decision-making and adaptive communication management – a testament to the integration of cutting-edge technologies in the field of space-and-astronomy and technology.
- The Ministry of Defense considers the space sector a top-level socio-economic asset and sees the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense as an essential instrument for fostering innovation and ensuring the development of strategic programs like space-and-astronomy, thereby strengthening Spain's technological and industrial base in the science domain.
