Spanish Communications Satellite Damaged During Maneuvering – It Was Launched Last Fall

The Spanish satellite SpainSat NG II was damaged during a maneuver to reach its final orbit.

According to the operator Hisdesat, the device collided with “space debris” at an altitude of about 50,000 kilometers, which happened after its launch on October 23, reports Defence Turk.

Hisdesat immediately activated its contingency plan to guarantee the continuity of services to the Spanish Ministry of Defense and NATO allies. The company emphasized that its commitments to customers remain in effect.

SpainSat NG II was launched by a Falcon 9 rocket into a supersynchronous orbit with an apogee of more than 60,000 kilometers. To maximize performance, the launch vehicle was used without the first stage return. The event occurred during the satellite’s transition to geostationary orbit.

According to SpaceNews, Hisdesat’s technical team continues to analyze the extent of the damage. If necessary, the company is ready to replace SpainSat NG II with a new satellite to ensure the fulfillment of the program’s strategic objectives.

The SpainSat NG I and II satellites, developed by Airbus, are designed to provide secure communications for Spain and NATO allies. They cover a strategically important area from the United States to Singapore, operating in geostationary orbits.

Weighing 6.1 tons and 7.3 meters long, SpainSat NG II is considered one of the most complex and ambitious space projects in Spanish history. Equipped with X- and Ka-band antennas, it is intended to provide modern military communications solutions.