Spanish startup launches pocket satellite, bolsters european defense tech
Hydra Space Systems, a relatively unknown name in the burgeoning space sector, just pulled off a significant feat: the successful orbital deployment of SpinnyOne, its 14th PocketQube satellite. More than just another launch, this marks a quiet but potentially seismic shift in Europe’s ability to rapidly deploy dedicated space infrastructure—a capability increasingly critical for defense and sovereign communications.
Spinnyone: a tiny lab, big implications
What sets SpinnyOne apart isn’t its size – it’s a PocketQube, roughly the dimensions of a loaf of bread – but its speed of development and the collaborative nature of the mission. Built in a record six months, the satellite functions as a testbed for secure, low-bandwidth communications and microgravity experiments. This latest launch wasn't a solo endeavor; Hydra Space acted as the technological backbone for Spinning Around, a startup from Edinburgh, UK, allowing them to conduct a real-world microgravity experiment aboard SpinnyOne as part of Hydra's orbital validation services.
The satellite's payload includes a prototype of optimized digital voice Technology, designed to operate on extremely limited bandwidth. To demonstrate its capabilities, the system is currently transmitting excerpts from 'Don Quixote,' showcasing a secure communications infrastructure tailored for low Earth orbit (LEO) environments—a strategic advantage particularly relevant for defense and security applications.
The first signals from SpinnyOne arrived within hours of launch, confirming operational status. Pablo Durbán, CEO of Hydra Space Systems, hailed the launch as “a demonstration of our ability to design, build, and deploy connectivity solutions quickly and efficiently, all in-house. It underscores the potential of local talent to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in space.”
Beyond the launch: a newspace philosophy
But the implications extend beyond this single launch. In a world increasingly defined by digital independence, Hydra Space's achievements highlight the possibility of developing advanced communications and space access solutions within Europe, reducing reliance on external providers and fostering a more resilient ecosystem. The company has even enabled access for radio enthusiasts, allowing them to receive telemetry and even make voice calls through simple equipment – a deliberate move to democratize access to space Technology and create a distributed testing ground for Hydra's innovations.
The mission itself leveraged SpaceX's Transporter-16 launch, alongside 119 other satellites, coordinated by Alba Orbital. Eduardo Alonso, CTO of Hydra Space Systems, emphasized the company’s rapid innovation cycle, stating, “We’re launching into orbit every six months. With this launch, we tested improvements to our communication systems – digital voice and high-speed transmission – ensuring compatibility with standard analog voice terminals. Our short-term goal is to support digital and secure communications, utilizing minimal bandwidth.”
Hydra Space's next launch is slated for June, just months away, further embodying its agile 'NewSpace' philosophy. The company’s ambition is clear: to ultimately collaborate with PLD Space, forging a completely Spanish space project. The speed of execution—from concept to orbit in a mere six months—is a testament to a new breed of space company prioritizing agility and in-house capabilities.