SpainSat NG-III builds on the architecture of its predecessors while introducing a range of technological enhancements. The satellite offers greater operational flexibility, wider transmission bandwidth, and advanced protection against jamming and electronic threats. As Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized, the project strengthens the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe by securing critical communications for Spain, NATO, and allied forces.
Image: Airbus
One of the satellite’s key features is a set of Spanish-developed active X-band antennas that replace the functionality of 16 conventional antennas. They can reconfigure coverage up to 1,000 times per second while detecting and neutralizing electronic interference with high precision. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the UHF and military Ka-band payloads, further expanding the platform’s communications capabilities.
SpainSat NG-III has been designed to operate in the most demanding environments. Its architecture incorporates enhanced protection against electromagnetic pulses and the effects of high-altitude nuclear events. The satellite meets the highest NATO standards for SIGINT, anti-jamming protection, and anti-spoofing.
The satellite’s operational coverage extends across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Together with SpainSat NG-I, launched into orbit in 2025, the system will provide coverage of approximately two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. The program involves a broad range of Spanish and European space-sector companies, strengthening industrial and technological capabilities across the region.
SpainSat NG-III represents a key step in building European strategic autonomy in satellite communications. Amid growing geopolitical tensions, ensuring reliable and encrypted command-and-control communications is essential to the effective operation of armed forces and government institutions.