Spanish startup launches 14th satellite, targets secure defense comms
Hydra Space Systems, a Spanish firm quietly building a reputation for rapid satellite deployment, has successfully launched its 14th satellite, SpinnyOne, marking a significant stride in its ambitious NewSpace strategy. This isn’t just another launch; it’s a demonstration of agility and a pointed signal to European defense agencies seeking secure, sovereign communications capabilities.
Pocket-sized powerhouse proves secure voice tech
SpinnyOne, a PocketQube – essentially a ‘satellite of the pocket’ – was completed in a record six months. Beyond its diminutive size, the satellite is serving as a crucial testbed for low-bandwidth, secure voice communications. The unusual choice for validation? Transmitting excerpts from 'Don Quixote,' showcasing the robustness of the Technology even with limited bandwidth. The implications for military and security operations in low Earth orbit (LEO), where cost-effectiveness is paramount, are substantial.
The launch was a collaborative effort, with Hydra Space acting as the technological facilitator for Spinning Around, a startup from Edinburgh, UK. SpinnyOne carries a microgravity experiment developed by Spinning Around, a testament to Hydra’s growing orbit validation service for commercial and institutional clients.
The Spanish Aerospace Agency is actively recruiting 16 new permanent staff members, a direct consequence of this expanding orbital infrastructure. But the real story here isn't just about jobs, it’s about a burgeoning European space ecosystem.
Agile development, rapid deployment: the hydra advantage
Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, underscored the company's commitment to “designing, building, and delivering connectivity and access to space solutions, quickly, efficiently, and entirely in-house.” This ‘NewSpace’ philosophy is clearly paying dividends, allowing Hydra to launch satellites every six months—a pace that rivals industry giants.
What’s often overlooked is the growing geopolitical significance. As digital independence becomes increasingly critical, Hydra’s capabilities represent a tangible shift in European technological sovereignty. The company isn’t just building satellites; it’s constructing a competitive and resilient ecosystem, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
The SpinnyOne mission launched aboard a SpaceX Transporter 16 mission, coordinated by Alba Orbital, and shared a ride with 119 other satellites. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, highlighted the ongoing improvements to their communication systems, including voice digital Technology and high-speed transmission. “Our satellites are now compatible with standard analog voice terminals, and our short-term goal is to support secure digital communications using minimal bandwidth, aligned with radios currently used by military forces and security agencies.”
Hydra Space hasn't stopped there. They've opened up the SpinnyOne satellite to the amateur radio community, enabling enthusiasts to receive telemetry and even make voice calls—a deliberate step to democratize access to space Technology and create a distributed testing ground for their innovations.
The next launch is slated for less than three months, in June, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17. And, in a move signaling further ambition, Hydra Space is actively pursuing a partnership with PLD Space, aiming for a fully Spanish space project. The speed with which Hydra Space moves—from initial concept to orbit in just six months—suggests this is only the beginning of their disruptive ascent.
“We’ve gone from having an idea to being ready for launch in exactly six months,” noted Alastair Broom, CEO and founder of Spinning Around, from Edinburgh. The sheer velocity of their innovation is what defines the NewSpace era, and Hydra Space is demonstrably leading the charge.