Spanish startup launches 14th satellite, eyes defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a rapidly emerging Spanish satellite connectivity firm, just marked a significant milestone: the successful deployment of SpinnyOne, its fourteenth PocketQube satellite. This isn’t just another launch; it’s a signal of Spain’s growing ambition in the space sector and a potential game-changer for secure, low-bandwidth communications, particularly in defense applications.
Pocket-sized powerhouse for critical communications
SpinnyOne, true to its “PocketQube” designation, is a remarkably compact satellite – roughly the size of a loaf of bread. Its mission isn’t about broadcasting entertainment; rather, it's a testbed for cutting-edge technologies, including secure, low-power communications and microgravity experiments. The rapid turnaround – just six months from concept to launch – underscores Hydra Space’s agile development approach, a cornerstone of its NewSpace philosophy.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the collaborative nature of this mission. Hydra Space acted as the technological backbone, facilitating the launch for Edinburgh-based startup Spinning Around, which leveraged the satellite to conduct a genuine microgravity experiment in the harsh environment of space. This demonstrates Hydra’s expanding service line in orbital validation – essentially, providing a platform for commercial and institutional clients to test their technologies in the real deal.
The satellite carries a prototype of optimized digital voice Technology, designed to operate on incredibly narrow bandwidths. In a nod to Spanish literary heritage, initial tests involve transmitting excerpts from Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, validating a secure communication infrastructure suited for low Earth orbit (LEO) environments and – crucially – designed with defense and security in mind. Early signals confirming SpinnyOne’s operational status arrived just hours after launch, confirming the viability of the system.
A soberanía espacial play in a geopolitical context
Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, emphasized the significance: “This milestone showcases our ability to design, build, and deliver connectivity solutions with agility and efficiency, all in-house. It also highlights the strength of local talent in reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty in space.” The backdrop here is increasingly clear: the race for digital independence is intensifying, and companies like Hydra Space are proving that advanced space solutions can be developed and deployed from European soil, reducing reliance on external suppliers and fostering a resilient ecosystem.
The launch, facilitated by SpaceX's Transporter 16 mission and coordinated by Alba Orbital, included a staggering 119 other satellites. Hydra Space has also opened up the satellite to radio amateurs, allowing anyone with basic equipment to receive telemetry and even make voice calls. This democratization of space access serves as a distributed testing ground for Hydra’s technologies, a clever move that expands its reach and generates valuable data.
“We’ve gone from idea to orbit in just six months,” stated Alastair Broom, CEO and founder of Spinning Around. “SpinnyOne embodies the very essence of NewSpace.” Eduardo Alonso, Hydra Space’s CTO, added that the company is targeting launches every six months and is actively refining its communication systems, aiming for compatibility with standard voice terminals used by military and security forces. Their next launch, slated for June aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission, is already in the works.
Hydra Space’s agile approach and focus on sovereign capabilities position it as a valuable partner for integrators and institutions seeking secure satellite communications. As Alonso concluded, “We hope to soon launch with PLD Space, creating a fully Spanish space project.”