5.01.2026
Credit: AIRBUS
Indra Group has announced that the SpainSat NG II communications satellite was struck by a “space particle” as it was en route to its operational orbit. According to the company, it is currently assessing the extent of the damage.
In 2019, Hisdesat selected a consortium led by Airbus, alongside Thales Alenia Space, to build two satellites for Spain’s SPAINSAT NG programme, intended to provide secure communications for the country’s armed forces and government agencies. The programme is backed by the Spanish government, which has invested more than €2 billion in the construction, launch, and operation of the two satellites, which are expected to have an operational lifespan of 15 years. The first of the two satellites was launched in January aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and is currently operational.
Indra Group’s involvement in the project stems from its purchase of 89.68% of Hispasat, which owns 43% of Hisdesat, giving the company indirect control of Hisdesat, in addition to a 7% direct stake. The acquisition, which was initially announced in February 2025, was formally completed in late December, just days before the SpainSat NG II satellite was impacted.
The SpainSat NG II satellite was launched aboard another Falcon 9 mission in October and is en route to its operational orbit. On 2 January, Indra Group announced that the satellite had “suffered the impact of a space particle” at an altitude of 50,000 kilometres. According to the release, Hisdesat has “implemented a contingency plan” to ensure continuity of services for Spain’s Ministry of Defence.
Operators often use terms like “space particle” when an impact is suspected, but the object involved is too small to be tracked or definitively identified by space surveillance networks. Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage. While the initial announcement offers little definitive insight into the assessment, it may nevertheless be notable that Indra Group stated that “if necessary, SpainSat NG II will be replaced as soon as possible.”
Quelle: European Spaceflight