Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Spanish satellite struck by cosmic particle
A Spanish satellite called SpainSat NG-2 was hit by a tiny space particle while traveling to its final position in space.
The satellite was launched on October 23, 2025, from Florida.
It was supposed to go to a special place called the geostationary orbit, which is about 35,786 kilometers above Earth.
But the satellite was hit by a particle when it was even higher, at 50,000 kilometers.
The people who own the satellite are trying to figure out what happened and if the satellite can still work.
They might even replace it if it's too damaged.
The satellite was part of a program to help the Spanish government and military talk to each other securely in space.
SpainSat NG-2, a military communications satellite, was struck by a space particle at 50,000 kilometers above Earth.
The satellite was launched on October 23, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The impact occurred as the satellite was traveling to its intended geostationary orbit of 35,786 kilometers.
Hisdesat, the operator of the satellite, implemented a contingency plan to ensure minimal disruption to its clients.
The extent of the damage is being ascertained, and the satellite might be replaced depending on the nature of the problem.
- Who
- SpainSat NG-2, a military communications satellite owned and operated by Hisdesat on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Defence
- What
- The satellite was struck by a space particle at an altitude of 50,000 kilometers, far beyond its intended geostationary orbit of 35,786 kilometers
- When
- The satellite was launched on October 23, 2025, and the impact occurred during its journey to the geostationary orbit
- Where
- The impact occurred 50,000 kilometers above Earth, above the intended geostationary orbit
- Why
- The reason for the impact is not specified, but the satellite was on its way to its operational position when it was struck
- Satellite Name
- SpainSat NG-2
- Launch Date
- October 23, 2025
- Launch Location
- Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
- Altitude of Impact
- 50,000 kilometers
- Intended Orbit
- Geostationary orbit (35,786 km)
- Operator
- Hisdesat (on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Defence)
- Stakeholder
- Indra Group (majority stakeholder of Hisdesat)
- Program
- SpainSat NG program for military communications