SpaceX Launches SpainSat NG-1 Satellite for Secure European Communications

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX successfully launched the SpainSat New Generation 1 (SNG 1) satellite for Spanish communications company Hisdesat on Wednesday night, marking a significant milestone in Europe’s secure satellite communications capabilities. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA‘s Kennedy Space Center at 8:34 p.m. EST (0134 UTC) on Jan. 29, 2025, deploying the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The mission, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space, required the Falcon 9 to expend its first-stage booster, B1073, due to the satellite’s high-performance needs. This marked the 21st and final flight for B1073, which had previously launched missions including ispace’s Hakuto-R Mission1 and CRS-27.

“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.”

The SNG 1 satellite, weighing approximately 6.1 tonnes (13,448 lbs.) and standing 7.2 meters tall (23.6 ft.), is the first of two satellites in the SpainSat NG Program. It will operate in geostationary Earth orbit at the 30 degrees West position, providing secure military communications for the Armed Forces across two-thirds of the Earth, from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East, and Singapore.

Airbus designed the satellite with cutting-edge technology, including a direct radiating array (DRA) system that allows for rapid switching between coverage zones and precise location tracking of terrestrial emitters. The satellite’s advanced X-band and Ka-band antennas were developed through ESA’s Pacis 3 project, showcasing Europe’s leadership in active antenna technology.

“The X-band active antennas are the most challenging active antennas ever developed in Europe,” said Miguel Ángel García Primo, Hisdesat’s CEO. “This positions Hisdesat and the Spanish space industry at the forefront of global space technology.”

The SNG 1 satellite is expected to have a 15-year operational lifespan, with its twin, SNG 2, set to launch and operate at the 29 degrees East position. Together, they will enhance secure communications for governmental and military users across Europe and beyond.

This mission was SpaceX’s 13th launch of 2025 and the 430th Falcon 9 launch overall. The company continues to push the boundaries of reusable rocket technology, with its fleet of flight-proven boosters now totaling 17. B1067, the most flown booster, has completed 25 missions, as SpaceX works toward certifying boosters for up to 40 flights each.