Spanish startup launches pocket satellite, eyes defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a burgeoning Spanish firm specializing in satellite connectivity, has notched a significant win: the successful orbital deployment of SpinnyOne, its 14th satellite. This isn't your typical behemoth; SpinnyOne is a 'PocketQube,' a diminutive satellite designed to test secure, low-power communications and microgravity experiments – a move that positions the company to rapidly deploy dedicated satellite infrastructure, a critical capability for defense and sovereign communications.
A collaborative leap into low earth orbit
The launch’s collaborative spirit is noteworthy. Hydra Space acted as the technological facilitator for Spinning Around, an Edinburgh-based startup, integrating a microgravity experiment into SpinnyOne’s mission. This project falls under Hydra's orbital validation services, where the company executes missions for commercial and institutional clients – essentially, a proving ground for nascent technologies.
SpinnyOne, developed in a remarkably short six months, serves as a testbed for critical communications. It carries a prototype of optimized digital voice Technology that uses a fraction of the bandwidth normally required. To demonstrate this, the satellite is currently retransmitting excerpts from 'Don Quixote,' a decidedly quirky but effective validation method. The ultimate goal is a secure communications infrastructure tailored for low-cost, low Earth orbit (LEO) platforms specifically targeted for defense and security applications.
Initial signals from the satellite arrived within hours of launch, confirming operational readiness. Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, stated, “This milestone demonstrates our ability to design, build, and deliver connectivity solutions—agilely, efficiently, and 100% in-house. It also underscores the potential of local talent to bolster Europe's technological sovereignty in space.”
Independence and the newspace ethos
The broader context is one of increasing strategic importance placed on digital independence. Projects like Hydra Space exemplify the possibility of developing advanced communications and space access solutions within Spain, reducing reliance on external entities and cultivating a competitive, resilient ecosystem. It’s a direct challenge to the established players, and one with a growing resonance.
Open access and rapid iteration
Hydra Space has cleverly enabled access to the satellite for radio enthusiasts, allowing them to receive telemetry and even make voice calls using readily available equipment. This democratization of space Technology transforms the satellite into a distributed testing ground for Hydra’s innovations.
Alastair Broom, CEO and founder of Spinning Around, underscored the speed of development: “With Hydra Space, we went from concept to orbit readiness in just six months. SpinnyOne embodies the very essence of the NewSpace philosophy.”
The SpinnyOne mission launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16, coordinated by Alba Orbital, alongside 119 other satellites. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, highlighted the company's rapid innovation cycle: “We’re launching into orbit every six months. With this launch, we’re testing improvements to our communication systems – digital voice and high-speed transmission – making our satellites compatible with standard analog voice terminals. Our short-term objective is to support secure digital communications using minimal bandwidth, aligning with technologies used by military and security forces.”
What's next: a fully spanish space venture?
Staying true to its agile and NewSpace principles, Hydra Space plans another launch in under three months, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 in June. The company envisions a future where it can collaborate with PLD Space, potentially creating a fully Spanish space project—a bold ambition that could reshape Europe’s space landscape.