Joint Cyberspace Command participates in SPAINSAT NG1 satellite development project

• SPAINSAT NG1, considered the most secure communications satellite in Europe, will be operational from June 2025

The Spanish satellite SPAINSAT NG1 has begun its adventure in space, the culmination of more than ten years of continuous effort and close collaboration between various bodies within the Ministry of Defence, the independent operator Hisdesat and a number of other organisations.

This first satellite, which will be operational from June this year, represents the first major step towards renewing satellite coverage of our country and Europe, including areas of interest to our armed forces. The launch of a second satellite is planned for September 2025.

Many organisations have worked on this project, which is now a reality, including the Joint Cyberspace Command (MCCE), which has participated in establishing the operational requirements and capabilities that this satellite must possess. The MCCE, in collaboration with EMACON, CESTIC, the Operations Command, the Army and Navy, the DGAM and Hisdesat, is leading the SECOMSAT-Desplegable working group, whose main objective is to adapt the satellite terminals to the ground segment and take advantage of the new capabilities that SPAINSAT NG I and II will provide.

The new equipment provide a high level of capability and flexibility to meet national operational requirements and enhance performance in the current military X and Ka bands. It will also provide a new capability with the addition of the UHF band.

In addition to enhancing military capabilities, SPAINSAT NG will generate an economic return by enabling participation in both EU programmes, through the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Commission, and NATO programmes, by providing SATCOM capabilities to nations belonging to these organisations.