Spanish startup launches pocket satellite, eyes defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a burgeoning Spanish firm specializing in satellite connectivity, has successfully launched its 14th satellite, the aptly named SpinnyOne. This diminutive “pocket satellite,” barely larger than a shoebox, isn't just another orbital asset; it's a proof-of-concept for secure, low-power communications and microgravity experiments, signaling a significant leap forward for European space tech.
Rapid deployment: a key advantage for national security
The significance of this launch extends beyond the technical achievement. Hydra Space’s ability to rapidly deploy dedicated satellite infrastructure in low Earth orbit (LEO) within months is a compelling factor for defense applications and sovereign communications—a strategic imperative in an increasingly digitized world. The pace of innovation alone is remarkable: just six months elapsed between the initial concept and launch readiness.
But the story doesn't stop there. SpinnyOne also serves as a collaborative platform. Hydra Space facilitated the launch for Spinning Around, a startup from Edinburgh, UK, incorporating a microgravity experiment into the mission. This marks an expansion of Hydra Space’s orbital validation services, catering to both commercial and institutional clients. The Spanish Space Agency is actively seeking personnel to fill 16 permanent positions following the SpinnyOne deployment, a clear indication of the sector’s growth.
What's unique about SpinnyOne? The PocketQube satellite acts as a testbed for critical communications. It carries a prototype of optimized digital voice technology designed to operate within a minimal bandwidth—currently demonstrating its capabilities by transmitting excerpts from Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. The goal is to establish a secure communications infrastructure specifically tailored to LEO environments, with a focus on low-cost operation—a critical element for military and security applications.
Initial signals from the satellite were received within hours of launch, confirming operational status. Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, declared, “This milestone demonstrates our ability to design, build, and deploy connectivity solutions—agilely, efficiently, and entirely in-house, while showcasing the talent pool within Europe capable of bolstering technological sovereignty in space.”
The launch, conducted via SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission coordinated by Alba Orbital, involved a packed manifest of 119 satellites. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, highlighted the company’s rapid-fire innovation cycle: “We’re launching into orbit every six months. With this latest mission, alongside supporting Spinning Around, we tested enhancements to our communication systems—digital voice and high-speed transmission—making our satellites compatible with standard analog voice terminals. Our short-term aim is to support digital and secure communications, utilizing minimal bandwidth and aligning with radios currently used by defense forces.”
Hydra Space’s commitment to a “NewSpace” philosophy is evident in its plans for a launch in under three months—the Transporter-17 mission with SpaceX in June. They’re also eyeing a collaboration with PLD Space, aiming for a fully Spanish space project. The firm's philosophy hinges on agility, national technology, and orbital validation, positioning them as a strategic partner for integrators and institutions seeking sovereign satellite communication capabilities.
The company is even opening up access to its satellite for radio enthusiasts, enabling them to receive telemetry and even make voice calls—a move aimed at democratizing access to space technology and creating a distributed testing ground for Hydra Space’s innovations. The rapid development cycle, culminating in a fully functional satellite in just six months, underscores the dynamism of the European space sector and its potential to reshape global communications.