SpaceX launches SpainSat NG II military communications satellite from Florida

SpaceX launches SpainSat NG II satellite

SpaceX launched the SpainSat NG II military communications satellite on Thursday from Cape Canaveral.

ORLANDO, Fla. - SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SpainSat NG II mission on Thursday. 

SpainSat NG II is part of Spain’s ongoing effort to modernize its military communications infrastructure.

What is the SpainSat NG II mission?

What we know:

The SpainSat NG II mission launched on Thursday, October 23, from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40. The launch occurred at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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SpainSat NG II is the second of two advanced satellites built by Airbus, designed to deliver secure, military-grade communications for the Spanish government and its allies. 

The satellite will be placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit and will work alongside its sister satellite, SpainSat NG I, to replace older communication systems.

What we don't know:

It’s also unclear how long the satellite will take to reach its final operational orbit or the lifespan of the satellite. 

The backstory:

SpainSat NG II follows SpainSat NG I, both developed by Airbus to enhance secure communications capabilities for the government and its military allies. 

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These satellites replace older systems and aim to increase Spain’s technological independence in space-based communication networks.