On October 24, 2025, Europe’s ambitions in space took a decisive leap forward as two major events unfolded: the successful launch of SpainSat NG-II, Spain’s most advanced government communications satellite, and the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales to create a unified European space powerhouse. These milestones, though distinct, are deeply intertwined in their goal—strengthening Europe’s autonomy and competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global space sector.
At dawn, eyes turned to the Kennedy Space Center in the United States, where the SpainSat NG-II satellite soared into orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket. This marked the completion of the SpainSat NG programme, which is, by all accounts, the most ambitious space project in Spain’s history. According to Airbus, the programme, led for the Spanish Ministry of Defence by the operator Hisdesat, now stands as Europe’s most advanced government communications system. With the NG-II joining its twin, launched earlier in January, Spain and its allies are poised to benefit from unparalleled secure communications capabilities starting spring 2026. These satellites will jointly serve not only the Spanish Armed Forces but also international organizations such as the European Commission in the GOVSATCOM programme, NATO, and other allied governments.
Raquel González Sola, Head of Space Systems at Airbus in Spain, underscored the significance of this achievement: “Secure satellite communications play an increasingly important role in operating effectively in multiple fields, including military operations and humanitarian relief and rescue missions. With SpainSat NG, Spain will be at the forefront of Europe and among one of the few countries in the world with access to the most secure communications networks, providing our country and its allies with sovereignty and strategic autonomy.”
The SpainSat NG-II spacecraft itself is a marvel of modern engineering. Built on an Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, the satellite is approximately seven meters long and weighs in at a hefty six tons. It is equipped with a highly innovative payload, including an X-band active receive and transmit antenna system that matches the functionality of sixteen traditional antennas. This system is capable of adapting and changing its coverage up to 1,000 times per second—a level of flexibility that’s almost mind-boggling. According to Airbus, the active antennas can also eliminate and geolocate jamming attempts with remarkable accuracy, and the satellite is hardened to withstand potential nuclear electromagnetic pulses in orbit.
What’s more, about half of the satellite’s payload was designed and manufactured by the Spanish space industry, led by Airbus. The advanced active antenna technology was developed as part of the Pacis 3 ESA-Hisdesat Partnership through the ESA ARTES programme, with backing from the Spanish Space Agency. The satellite’s journey to the stars began in Toulouse, France, where it underwent integration, testing, and validation before being shipped to Florida in September 2025 for launch.
While Spain celebrated its technological triumph, another seismic shift was occurring in the European space sector. On the very same day, Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to create a new, unified space entity. This proposed company aims to pool complementary technologies and develop end-to-end solutions across the full spectrum of space activities—telecommunications, global navigation, Earth observation, science, exploration, and national security.
According to a joint statement by the chief executives—Guillaume Faury of Airbus, Roberto Cingolani of Leonardo, and Patrice Caine of Thales—this new company “marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry. It embodies our shared vision to build a stronger and more competitive European presence in an increasingly dynamic global space market. By pooling our talent, resources, expertise and R&D capabilities, we aim to generate growth, accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
The scale of this endeavor is impressive. The new entity will employ around 25,000 people across Europe, drawing on the combined strength of Airbus Defence and Space, Leonardo Space Division, and Thales Alenia Space. Each company will contribute shares in their respective businesses, with Airbus holding a 35% stake and Leonardo and Thales each owning 32.5%. The aim is to create a unified, integrated, and resilient European space player that can compete globally and seize growth opportunities in international markets.
The European Space Agency’s Director General, Josef Aschbacher, was quick to highlight the significance of this move. As reported by Spaceflight Now, he said the proposed entity would “change the landscape of the European space industry quite significantly.” The company could become operational as soon as 2027, pending regulatory approvals, and is widely expected to rival major global players like Elon Musk’s SpaceX. SpaceX, after all, has become a dominant force in the industry, partnering with NASA and launching a multitude of European satellites and capsules. The new European space entity is poised to provide a homegrown alternative, reinforcing the continent’s sovereignty in critical space infrastructure and services.
The joint venture intends to serve as a trusted partner for developing and implementing national sovereign space programs, pooling and building the technologies needed for robust and secure space infrastructure. The ambition is clear: accelerate innovation in this strategic market and ensure Europe is not left behind in the global space race.
The timing of these two milestones is no coincidence. As reliance on space-based infrastructure grows, from telecommunications and navigation to Earth observation and defense, European leaders have become increasingly vocal about the need for strategic autonomy. The launch of SpainSat NG-II and the creation of a new pan-European space company are both direct responses to these concerns, signaling a shift toward greater self-reliance and resilience.
Yet, challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the new company becomes operational, and the global space market is more competitive than ever. SpaceX’s rapid innovation cycles and cost efficiencies set a high bar, and other nations are also ramping up their space capabilities. Still, with the combined might of Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales, Europe is making a bold bet that it can not only keep pace but also lead in certain areas.
In the coming years, the impact of these developments will become clearer. For now, Europe’s space sector is buzzing with optimism and renewed purpose. The successful launch of SpainSat NG-II and the birth of a new space giant signal that Europe is ready to chart its own course among the stars—on its own terms, and with its own vision for the future.
As satellites like SpainSat NG-II begin serving critical missions and the new joint venture takes shape, Europe’s space ambitions seem more tangible than ever. The continent is not just reaching for the sky—it’s staking its claim among the world’s space leaders, determined to secure its place in the next chapter of human exploration and innovation.