Spanish startup launches tiny satellite, bolsters european space sovereignty
Hydra Space Systems, a Spanish startup quietly building a reputation for rapid satellite deployment, has successfully launched its 14th PocketQube, dubbed SpinnyOne. This isn't just another satellite; it's a crucial testbed for secure, low-bandwidth communications and microgravity experiments, signaling a significant step towards greater European technological independence.
A collaborative leap into orbit
The launch, facilitated by SpaceX’s Transporter 16 mission, marks a notable partnership with Edinburgh-based startup Spinning Around. SpinnyOne hosts Spinning Around’s microgravity experiment, showcasing Hydra Space's burgeoning 'in-orbit validation' services – a rapidly growing market for commercial and institutional clients eager to test their technologies in the harsh realities of space. The Spanish company is positioning itself as a key player in this arena.
SpinnyOne itself is a marvel of engineering, brought to life in a record-shattering six months. It’s acting as a proving ground for critical communications, utilizing a prototype of optimized digital voice Technology designed to operate on minimal bandwidth. The team is currently testing its capabilities by transmitting excerpts from 'Don Quixote' – a decidedly literary choice demonstrating the potential for secure, low-cost communication infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
“This milestone isn't just about our ability to design, build, and deploy connectivity solutions swiftly and efficiently,” asserted Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems. “It underscores the talent we have here in Spain and its potential to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty in space.” The company’s ambition is clear: to reduce reliance on external providers and cultivate a robust, competitive domestic space ecosystem.
Democratizing space access and rapid iteration
Hydra Space is actively fostering a wider community engagement, opening up SpinnyOne's capabilities to radio enthusiasts. By leveraging simple equipment, hobbyists can receive telemetry data and even establish voice calls, democratizing access to space Technology. This open approach serves as a distributed testing ground for Hydra Space's innovations.
The speed of Hydra Space’s development is astonishing. Alastair Broom, CEO and founder of Spinning Around, highlighted the rapid turnaround: “We went from the initial idea to launch-readiness in just six months. SpinnyOne embodies the very essence of the NewSpace philosophy.” The company’s accelerated development cycle—launching a satellite every six months—allows for rapid iteration and continuous improvement. Their next launch is slated for June, utilizing SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission.
Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, emphasized the company's commitment to agile development and national Technology. “We’re aiming for compatibility with standard analog voice terminals in the short term, eventually supporting secure digital communications with minimal bandwidth,” he explained, noting their focus on aligning with the communication systems used by defense and security forces. The ultimate goal is to collaborate with PLD Space, creating a completely Spanish space project.
With a fully national Technology validated in orbit and an agile deployment model, Hydra Space is strategically positioned as a partner for integrators and institutions seeking sovereign satellite communication capabilities. The rapid pace of innovation suggests that Spain is becoming a surprisingly significant force in the burgeoning NewSpace landscape.