Hisdesat has signed contracts with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the construction of SpainSat NG III, a secure communications satellite that will strengthen the SPAINSAT NG Programme and support Spain’s strategic autonomy in secure satellite communications.
The agreement reinforces Hisdesat’s commitment, under its public-private partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Defence, to ensuring the long-term availability of critical space capabilities for security and defence.
SpainSat NG III is scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2030 following a 48-month development programme and is expected to enter operational service in early 2031. Together with SpainSat NG I, it will complete the SPAINSAT NG architecture, the largest space programme developed by the Spanish industry. The secure communications services are currently used by NATO, the European Union through the GOVSATCOM programme, and several allied governments.
The satellite will provide secure communications in the X, military Ka and UHF bands, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance operational flexibility, increase communications capacity and strengthen protection against interference and electronic threats. Its coverage will extend from the United States and South America across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Combined with SpainSat NG I, the system’s coverage will reach as far as Singapore.
Airbus Defence and Space has been appointed prime contractor for the programme, building on its experience from previous SpainSat NG satellites, while Thales Alenia Space will serve as co-contractor. More than ten Spanish companies will contribute critical technologies, supporting highly skilled employment and strengthening Spain’s space industry.
Spanish industry will also develop the satellite’s communications payloads. Airbus in Spain will be responsible for the X-band payload, while Thales Alenia Space in Spain will develop the UHF and military Ka-band payloads, including integration of the Communications Module.
The programme ensures the continuity of Spain’s strategic secure satellite communications capabilities for national defence and allied operations while further reinforcing the international standing of the Spanish space industry.
