SpaceX Launches SpainSat NG 2 Satellite, Expanding Secure Communications Capabilities
Cape Canaveral, FL - October 24, 2025 – SpaceX successfully launched the SpainSat Next Generation (NG) 2 communications satellite today, expending a Falcon 9 booster in the process. The launch bolsters secure interaction infrastructure for the Spanish government, the European Union, and NATO.
SpainSat NG 2 will operate at 29 degrees East, complementing its twin, SpainSat NG 1, which began operations at 30 degrees West on August 11 after a January 29, 2025 launch also conducted by SpaceX. Both satellites are expected to have a 15-year operational lifespan.
Built by Airbus Defense and space on the Eurostar Neo satellite bus, the SpainSat NG satellites each have a wingspan of nearly 50 meters (164 ft.). The project received a 74 million euro ($86 million) investment from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities thru the spanish space Agency and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation.
“This satellite will place the Spanish industry at the top of Europe in the field of advanced secure communication systems and today it is indeed the most innovative and advanced communications satellite on our continent, and a palpable example of the Ministry’s commitment to development, progress and innovation,” stated Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant.
While primarily serving the Government of spain, the satellites will also provide functionality to the European Union via the Govsatcom program and to NATO. they operate in the X-, Ka Mil- and UHF-bands, with Airbus responsible for the X-band payload and Thales Alenia Space’s spanish office building the Military Ka- and UHF-band payloads.
Combined, the two satellites will offer coverage extending from the United States to Singapore.
