Airbus and Thales Secure SpainSat NG 3 Contract as Project Bromo Looms
Spain commissions Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build the SpainSat NG 3, a military communications satellite following the loss of its predecessor to a space particle strike.
Mission Reconstitution
Spain has initiated the recovery of its orbital communication capabilities. According to SpaceNews, Spanish operator Hisdesat has selected Airbus Defence and Space as the prime contractor for SpainSat NG 3, a geostationary military communications satellite. The new asset is scheduled for service entry by early 2031, providing secure X-band, UHF, and military Ka-band coverage across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Hardware Specifications
The build utilizes a collaborative European framework. Airbus will lead the construction and provide the X-band payload, while Thales Alenia Space—a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo—is responsible for the UHF and Ka-band hardware. SpainSat NG 3 is designed with enhanced operational agility and superior electronic warfare protection compared to previous iterations.
This procurement follows the failure of SpainSat NG 2, which was declared a total loss in January after a "space particle" strike damaged vital systems during its transfer orbit. Costs for the replacement are expected to be covered by insurance.
The Bromo Consolidation
The contract comes as Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo move to merge their space divisions under the code name Project Bromo. While the companies reported improved performance in government and defense sectors, they face a shifting landscape dominated by broadband constellations like Starlink. Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani confirmed that antitrust filings with the European Union are underway, with the merger aimed at creating a "space domain giant" of 20,000 employees by 2027. Despite concerns regarding reduced competition, executives maintain that Bromo is essential for the European supply chain's survival against commercial disruptors.