SpaceX Launches SpainSat NG-1, Advancing European Secure Communications
SpaceX launches SpainSat Next Generation 1 (SpainSat NG-1) satellite on Wednesday night (Jan. 29), placing it into a geostationary transfer orbit. The mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Spain-based Hisdesat, aims to enhance secure communications across Europe.
Falcon 9 Completes Its Final Flight
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:34 p.m. EST (0134 GMT on Jan. 30). This marked SpaceX’s 13th launch of 2025 and the last mission for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1073. The booster had completed 21 flights, including missions such as deploying the Japanese HAKUTO-R moon lander and a resupply mission (CRS-27) to the International Space Station. Due to the high-performance requirements of this mission, SpaceX did not recover the booster.
SpaceX Launches SpainSat NG-1: A Leap in Secure Communications
SpainSat NG-1 was developed by Hisdesat, with ESA contributing advanced communication capabilities. The satellite features state-of-the-art antenna technology, enabling faster data transmission, improved security, and precise communication beam direction. This technology will enhance secure government communications across Europe and beyond.
A Milestone for European Connectivity
“SpainSat NG represents the next generation of secure satellite communications in Europe,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “This launch marks a key milestone in providing more adaptable and secure communications services that will benefit governmental users across Europe and beyond.”
With this mission, ESA and Hisdesat have taken a significant step in advancing satellite-based secure communications, strengthening Europe’s connectivity and defence capabilities.
With inputs from Reuters
