Spanish startup launches 14th 'pocket' satellite, eyes defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a rapidly emerging Spanish satellite connectivity firm, has successfully deployed its 14th satellite, SpinnyOne, into low Earth orbit. This compact, 'pocket' satellite isn't just another launch; it’s a critical testbed for secure, low-bandwidth communications and microgravity experiments, signaling a significant step towards sovereign defense capabilities for Europe.
Rapid deployment: a key advantage for european security
The launch, executed via SpaceX's Transporter-16 mission, highlights Hydra Space’s ability to rapidly deploy dedicated satellite infrastructure – a capability increasingly vital for defense and secure communications. The company’s agility is particularly noteworthy given the six-month timeframe for SpinnyOne’s development and construction, a testament to their 'NewSpace' philosophy.
But there's a compelling collaborative element to this achievement. Hydra Space acted as a technological enabler for Spinning Around, a startup from Edinburgh, UK, integrating a microgravity experiment into the SpinnyOne platform. This marks an expansion of Hydra Space’s in-orbit validation services, catering to both commercial and institutional clients. The Agency Espacial Española is actively recruiting 16 fixed-term personnel, a direct consequence of the SpinnyOne project’s success.
Testing 'quijote' fragments – a novel approach to secure communications
SpinnyOne, a PocketQube satellite – a form factor known for its diminutive size – is functioning as a live testbed for critical communications. It incorporates a prototype of optimized digital voice Technologydesigned to operate within extremely narrow bandwidths. Astonishingly, the system's performance is being validated by transmitting recorded excerpts from 'Don Quixote,' demonstrating the feasibility of a secure communication infrastructure tailored for low-cost LEO platforms and defense scenarios.
“This milestone isn't simply about our capacity to design, build, and deliver connectivity solutions swiftly and efficiently; it underscores the potential of local talent to bolster Europe's technological sovereignty in space,” stated Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems. The firm’s aggressive deployment cadence—launching a satellite roughly every six months—is a deliberate strategy to accelerate innovation.
The real intrigue lies in the implications for European digital independence. Hydra Space’s model offers a viable path to reducing reliance on external providers and fostering a competitive, resilient domestic space ecosystem. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, emphasizes that the satellites are already compatible with standard analog voice terminals, with a near-term goal of supporting digital and secure communications utilizing minimal bandwidth. They are even targeting integration with radios currently used by military and security forces.
Democratizing space access & next steps
Hydra Space has also opened its SpinnyOne satellite to the amateur radio community, allowing enthusiasts to receive telemetry and even establish voice calls—a move that dramatically democratizes access to space Technology. This open access configuration serves as a distributed testing ground for Hydra Space's spatial technologies. Their next launch is slated for June, riding the SpaceX Transporter-17, continuing their relentless six-month innovation cycle.
Ultimately, Hydra Space envisions a fully Spanish space project in collaboration with PLD Space, further solidifying its position as a strategic partner for integrators and institutions seeking sovereign satellite communication capabilities.