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    Aerospace & Defense

    SPACE

    Communications

    SpainSat NG-I: Spain’s next generation secure communications satellite

    Case of success

    SpainSat NG-I: Spain’s next generation secure communications satellite

    SpainSat NG-I is the first of two state-of-the-art communication satellites developed as part of the SpainSat NG programme, led by Hisdesat, to provide secure and reliable communications for the Spanish armed forces and emergency response teams.

    With a useful life of 15 years and global coverage (from the United States, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and as far as Singapore), these satellites incorporate advanced technologies to protect against interference and spoofing attempts and will be reinforced and protected against nuclear phenomena at high altitude. They are the most advanced satellites of their kind in Europe.

    One of the most innovative aspects of the SpainSat NG satellite is its ability to operate in three frequency bands: X, Ka Mil and UHF. A feature that gives it unprecedented versatility and robustness, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of applications and operating conditions.

    Sener contribution to SpainSat NG

    Active X-band transmitting and receiving antennas

    At Sener, we have designed, manufactured and carried out the tests of several of the elements that make up the satellite’s active X-band transmitting and receiving antennas.

    These antennas integrate, among others, 120 DSSPA (dual solid-state power amplifiers) and 120 DLNA (dual low-noise amplifiers), both in X-band. 

    Ka-band communications system

    We have supplied 6 sets of steerable reflectors, Mechanical Reflector Assembly (MRA) for the Ka-band communications system, installed on a deployable panel, with three types of antennas and with an angular movement range of the antenna of +/- 5º. These reflectors are fed by several feeders, including the horn, polarizer and guide routing, which have also been supplied by Sener.

    S-band antennas and global X-band TCR antenna

    For each satellite, at Sener we have delivered a pair of S-band antennas (circular polarizations on the right and left) and a global X-band TCR antenna with both polarizations (with transmission and reception functions integrated in the same antenna). 

    UHF antenna

    Finally, we have actively participated in the satellite’s ultra-high frequency or UHF antenna, developing the three-channel OMUX, which filters and groups the outputs of the corresponding amplifiers before attacking the satellite’s UHF antenna. The handling of high powers at low frequencies for space applications made the design of this equipment a first-class challenge. 

    Main characteristics of SpainSat NG

    Secure Communications:
    Incorporates advanced jamming and spoofing protection technologies, ensuring secure communications, especially for military and government applications.
    Cutting-edge technology:
    The satellite incorporates the most advanced satellite communications technology, reinforcing Spain’s technological and strategic capacity in space, but also being a technological benchmark in Europe.
    Flexibility:
    The satellite has a flexible payload that allows the beams to be dynamically reconfigured, adapting to the changing needs of users.
    Military and emergency response applications:
    In addition to military applications, the satellite can also be used for commercial communications, disaster management and search and rescue services.

    Programme mission

    Ensure effective command and control in operations of the Armed Forces
    beyond the line of sight in two thirds of the Earth.
    Guarantee communication capacity in theatres of operations lacking infrastructure.
    Develop more satellite communications in motion,
    greater capacity and security.
    Unlocking the potential of the battlespace-netcentric warfare and operations core network.
    Watch

    FAQ about SpainSat NG

    When were SpainSat NG satellites launched?

    SpainSat NG-I was launched from Cape Canaveral (Florida) on a Falcon 9 rocket at 20.34 local time (02.34 Spanish time).

    Its twin satellite, SpainSat NG II, is expected to be launched into orbit in October 2025.

     

    Who leads SpainSat NG?

    The SpainSat programme is an example of public-private collaboration, as it is supported by the Ministry of Defence and other governmental institutions.

    The programme is led by the Spanish company Hisdesat, which is responsible for monitoring the project and will carry out the operation and commercial exploitation of the programme during its useful life, as well as having been responsible for the flight segment and the ground segment for the control and operation of the satellites.

    Who are the main contractors for SpainSat NG?

    The programme is led by a consortium formed by Airbus DS España (as prime contractor) and the French and Spanish subsidiaries of Thales Alenia Space.

    What has been Spain’s participation in the SpainSat NG I satellite?

    More than 40 % of the satellites have been developed by Spanish companies that are members of Tedae, the Spanish Association of Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space Technology Companies. These include: Hisdesat, Aibus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Crisa, Alter Technology, Arquimea, GMV, HV Sistemas, Indra, Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía, Sener and Inventia.

    Related content

    01.21.2025 SPACE / Spain

    Sener takes part in SpainSat NG-I, the satellite that will reinforce secure communications for the Spanish armed forces

    ©Sener - Sener Group 2025