SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 to Deploy SpainSat NG 2 Satellite

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the SpainSat NG 2 communications satellite, marking the first stage’s final flight on Thursday. This mission is significant as it represents a rare expendable launch for SpaceX, which typically focuses on reusing its rockets. Originally scheduled for Wednesday evening, the launch was postponed by 24 hours, although SpaceX did not disclose the reasons for the delay.

The Falcon 9 will not be recovered after this mission, as additional performance is required to successfully place the satellite into orbit. As a result, the rocket will not be equipped with landing legs or grid fins, allowing for increased lift capacity. While the first stage booster will be discarded, the payload fairing’s two halves are expected to be retrieved after descending into the Atlantic Ocean.

The SpainSat NG 2 satellite has a fully fueled mass of 6.1 tons (approximately 13,448 lbs.) and will be launched into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Deployment is scheduled for more than 35 minutes post-launch, after which the satellite will maneuver to its designated geostationary orbit.

Launch Details and Forecast

The launch is set to occur from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a four-hour launch window opening at 21:30 EDT (01:30 UTC). According to the 45th Weather Squadron, there is over a 95 percent chance of favorable weather during the launch period, with no specific meteorological concerns anticipated.

Should the launch proceed as planned, it will represent SpaceX’s 134th orbital launch of 2025, matching the total number of launches achieved throughout all of 2024. The company aims to surpass 170 launches this year, demonstrating its commitment to expanding access to space.

Significance of SpainSat NG 2

The SpainSat NG 2 satellite is the second of two geostationary satellites managed by Hisdesat, following the launch of the SpainSat NG 1 on January 29, 2025. The first satellite began operations at the 30 degrees West position on August 11, while the new satellite will operate at 29 degrees East. Both satellites are designed with a nominal operating life of 15 years and are built on the Airbus Defence and Space Eurostar Neo satellite bus, featuring a wingspan of nearly 50 meters (approximately 164 feet).

Funding for the SpainSat NG 2 project includes a €74 million (approximately $86 million) investment from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities via the Spanish Space Agency and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation. Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, emphasized the satellite’s role in advancing Spain’s position in the European market for secure communication systems.

While the primary function of the satellite is to ensure secure communications for the Government of Spain, it will also support the European Union through the Govsatcom program and NATO. The SpainSat NG 2 and its counterpart are designed to operate across multiple frequency bands, including X-, Ka-, and UHF-bands, with coverage extending from the United States to Singapore.

This mission highlights the growing capabilities of Spain in space technology and secure communications, positioning the nation as a leader in this vital sector of the modern economy.