Indra Group, the operator of the Spanish military communications satellite SpainSat NG 2, has announced the spacecraft is no longer capable of performing its mission. The decision follows an impact from a "space particle" that caused nonrecoverable damage, according to the company. Indra Group is the majority owner of Hisdesat, the satellite operator.
Incident Details
The incident occurred when SpainSat NG 2, launched in October, was moving from its supersynchronous transfer orbit to its geostationary orbit. Engineers determined that despite the space particle being estimated as millimetric in size and weighing only a few grams, the high-speed impact on a critical area of the satellite resulted in permanent damage. The impact took place at an altitude of approximately 50,000 kilometers, an area where micrometeoroid strikes are more probable than orbital debris.
Key spacecraft systems typically include protection against micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts. It is not clear whether the affected area lacked such protection or if the force of the strike exceeded the shielding's design capacity. The satellite remains stable, intact, and in a highly eccentric orbit, ensuring it does not pose a risk to current or future space operations.
Replacement and Ongoing Services
Indra Group has initiated the process to procure a replacement spacecraft, designated SpainSat NG 3, with the cost expected to be covered by insurance. The original SpainSat NG 1 spacecraft, launched in January 2025, is operating normally. Both SpainSat NG 1 and the original SpainSat, launched in 2006, will continue to provide services until SpainSat NG 3 is launched.