Spain looks to space with pride. Early this morning, the secure communications satellite SPAINSAT NG II successfully took off from Cape Canaveral in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This launch marks a new milestone for Spain’s technological and space sovereignty, ensuring secure and autonomous communications for the Spanish government and armed forces both within and beyond our borders.<\/p>\n
The technological heart: Spanish innovation, driven by the AEE.<\/p>\n
The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) has played a vital role in this success by leading the development of the satellite’s technological core: the advanced communications payload, PACIS3. The AEE promoted and financed this component with an investment of \u20ac74 million, enabling the integration of the active X-band antenna, which is considered the most advanced in Europe. This pioneering technology can transmit up to 16 signals simultaneously and offers enhanced protection against interference (anti-jamming). Should someone attempt to block the signal from Earth, the system can detect the source and neutralise it \u2014 an essential capability for defence and national security missions.<\/p>\n
A national effort: public-private collaboration in the service of space<\/p>\n
The development of SPAINSAT NG II is the result of close collaboration between Spanish industry and the European Space Agency (ESA) within a Third Party Programme. Over 45% of the system has been manufactured in Spain by leading companies such as Hisdesat Servicios Estrat\u00e9gicos S.A., Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space Espa\u00f1a, Indra, Sener Aerospace & Defence, and GMV. This project showcases the technological and innovative capabilities of our industrial sector, which is establishing itself as a key player in the European space industry.<\/p>\n
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This launch is a firm step towards Spain’s strategic autonomy.<\/p>\n
The Spanish Space Agency, which is part of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Ministry of Defence, is consolidating its role as a driver of innovation and technological sovereignty. The success of SPAINSAT NG II reflects the AEE’s commitment to flagship projects that generate cutting-edge space systems and strengthen national capabilities, contributing to the development of a more autonomous and competitive Spain in space.<\/p>\n
We celebrate this achievement from Seville, Spain’s Space Capital, which brings us a little closer to a future where Spain looks up to the sky and sees itself reflected in it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"