Spanish startup hydra space launches 14th 'pocket' satellite

Hydra Space Systems, a Spanish startup quietly revolutionizing satellite communications, has successfully launched its 14th satellite, SpinnyOne, into low Earth orbit. This isn't just another satellite launch; it represents a significant acceleration in the company’s ability to rapidly deploy dedicated infrastructure – a capability increasingly vital for defense and sovereign communications.

A collaborative leap in microgravity research

The SpinnyOne mission shines a light on a burgeoning trend in the space sector: collaboration. Beyond its primary function, the satellite serves as a technological platform for Spinning Around, a startup hailing from Edinburgh, UK. Hydra Space facilitated the integration of Spinning Around’s microgravity experiment, providing a real-world space environment for testing and validation – a service offered through Hydra Space’s growing orbital validation program.

But the implications extend far beyond a single partnership. SpinnyOne itself is a PocketQube, a remarkably small (and inexpensive) satellite developed and built in a record-breaking six months. It's acting as a testbed for critical communications, specifically a prototype of optimized digital voice transmission designed to operate on a fraction of the bandwidth traditionally required. Testing this Technology involves relaying recorded segments of 'Don Quixote' – a clever demonstration of bandwidth efficiency and secure communication protocols.

Defense-grade communications, newspace agility

The choice of Cervantes is no accident. Hydra Space’s ambition isn't merely to launch satellites; it’s to build a resilient, sovereign communications infrastructure for Europe. “This milestone demonstrates our ability to design, build, and deliver connectivity solutions with agility and efficiency, all in-house,” stated Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems. “It underscores the power of local talent in strengthening Europe's technological sovereignty in space.” The company’s rapid launch cadence – now hitting roughly six-month intervals – is a direct challenge to established players reliant on longer development cycles.

The launch, facilitated by SpaceX’s Transporter 16 mission in conjunction with Alba Orbital, also included 119 other satellites. Hydra Space is actively democratizing access to space, enabling radio enthusiasts to receive telemetry and even establish voice calls using simple equipment. This open access approach creates a distributed testing ground for Hydra’s burgeoning technologies.

“We’ve gone from concept to orbit in just six months,” exclaimed Alastair Broom, CEO and founder of Spinning Around. “SpinnyOne embodies the very essence of NewSpace philosophy.” Eduardo Alonso, Hydra Space's CTO, further elaborated, “We’re improving our communication systems—digital voice and high-speed transmission—with each launch. Our satellites are already compatible with standard analog voice terminals, and our short-term goal is to support digital and secure communications using minimal bandwidth, working with radios currently used by defense and security forces.”

With another launch slated for June aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17, Hydra Space is solidifying its position as a strategic partner for integrators and institutions seeking sovereign satellite communications capabilities. The company’s ultimate goal? “We hope to soon launch with PLD Space and complete a fully Spanish space project,” Alonso added.

The speed of Hydra Space’s development cycle reveals a pivotal shift in the space industry: agility and localized expertise are rapidly becoming as valuable as sheer scale.