- The industrial agreement with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space completes the SPAINSAT NG Programme, the new generation of satellites that will ensure strategic communications for the Armed Forces, government agencies and allied nations.
- The new satellite will be launched in the third quarter of 2030 and will become operational in early 2031.
Madrid, July 31st, 2026 – Hisdesat has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space in Spain and France, and with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), in Spain and France, for the construction of SpainSat NG III, a new secure communications satellite that will strengthen the SPAINSAT NG Programme and ensure strategic autonomy in this domain.
Therefore Hisdesat reaffirms its commitment, within the framework of its public-private partnership with the Ministry of Defence, to guarantee the future availability of critical space capabilities for security and defence.
With a development timeline of 48 months, SpainSat NG III is scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2030 and will become operational in early 2031. Together with SpainSat NG I, it will complete the architecture of the SPAINSAT NG Programme, the largest space project ever developed by the Spanish industry.
Currently, NATO, the European Union through the GOVSATCOM programme, and several allied governments are users of these new generation secure communication services.
Enhancements to the initial configuration
SpainSat NG III will replicate the model of its predecessors while incorporating several improvements. It will provide advanced capabilities in the X, military Ka and UHF bands, integrating state-of-the-art technologies that will enhance operational flexibility, increase available capacity, and strengthen protection against interference and electronic threats.
Its coverage area will extend from the United States and South America across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Combined with SpainSat NG I, the system’s overall coverage will reach as far as Singapore in Asia.
Participation of Spanish industry
The construction of SpainSat NG III will once again mobilise the Spanish and European space industries. Hisdesat has appointed Airbus Defence and Space as the satellite’s prime contractor, leveraging the experience gained during the development of the SpainSat NG family. In addition to Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as co-contractor, more than ten Spanish companies will contribute critical technologies for the development of the system, generating highly skilled employment and delivering significant technological returns for the country
The Spanish industry will provide the communications payloads, including the integration of the Communications Module by Thales Alenia Space in Spain, further consolidating national capabilities in secure 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.
Hisdesat ensures therefore the continuity of a strategic programme for the defence of Spain and its allies, while reaffirming its confidence in the Spanish space industry, which is already recognised internationally as a benchmark in secure satellite communications.
ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE
Thales Alenia Space leverages a unique combination of skills, technological expertise, and industrial capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures— drawing on 50 years of proven experience. Institutions, governments, and private industry rely on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere, connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Embodied by its Space for Life purpose, Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping build a better and more sustainable life on Earth, and beyond. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025 and has more than 8,000 employees in 7 countries with 14 sites in Europe. #spaceforlife. www.thalesaleniaspace.com