Spanish startup launches 14th 'pocket' satellite, eyes defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a fledgling Spanish firm specializing in satellite connectivity, just pulled off a significant feat: successfully deploying its 14th satellite, the aptly named SpinnyOne. This isn't your typical behemoth orbiting Earth; it’s a ‘PocketQube’ – a miniature satellite packing a surprising punch for applications ranging from secure low-bandwidth communications to microgravity experimentation.
Rapid deployment: a key advantage for defense and sovereignty
The launch underscores Hydra Space’s ambition to rapidly deploy dedicated satellite infrastructure in low Earth orbit (LEO) – a capability increasingly vital for defense applications and national communications sovereignty. While many space ventures promise agility, Hydra’s consistent six-month launch cadence delivers real-world results, a stark contrast to the multi-year timelines often associated with larger satellite projects.
But the story doesn't end with just Hydra's achievement. This mission was a collaborative effort, acting as a technological facilitator for Edinburgh-based startup Spinning Around. Hydra hosted Spinning Around’s microgravity experiment aboard SpinnyOne, demonstrating the company's expanding service offering in orbital validation – essentially, providing a platform for other companies and institutions to test their technologies in the harsh environment of space.
SpinnyOne itself is a testament to rapid innovation. Constructed in a record-breaking six months, the PocketQube serves as a proving ground for critical communication technologies. Specifically, it's testing a prototype of optimized digital voice transmission, utilizing a remarkably narrow bandwidth. The demonstration? Broadcasting excerpts from 'Don Quixote' – a fitting nod to Spanish heritage and a clever way to validate the system’s resilience. The goal is a secure communications infrastructure tailored for LEO scenarios, particularly those relevant to defense and security, leveraging cost-effective hardware.
Just hours after launch, initial telemetry signals confirmed the satellite's operational status—a reassuring sign for a venture pushing the boundaries of NewSpace. Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, declared, “This milestone not only demonstrates our ability to design, build, and deliver connectivity solutions swiftly and efficiently, but it also showcases the potential of local talent to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty in space.”
The broader trend towards digital independence is fueling the growth of companies like Hydra Space. Their ability to develop advanced communications and space access solutions within Spain reduces reliance on external providers and strengthens a competitive, resilient ecosystem – a pivotal shift in the geopolitical landscape of space exploration.
Hydra Space hasn't stopped there. The company has opened up SpinnyOne to the amateur radio community, allowing enthusiasts to receive telemetry and even make voice calls—a move democratizing access to space Technology. This distributed testing ground provides invaluable feedback for Hydra's ongoing development efforts.
Looking ahead, Hydra’s relentless pace continues. Another launch is slated for less than three months from now, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission in June. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, highlighted,