Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos

What Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos does

Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos is a Spanish government satellite services operator headquartered in Madrid, founded in 2001, providing sovereign satellite communications and Earth observation capabilities to Spanish and allied government defense customers. The company operates the SpainSat NG (Next Generation) twin-satellite secure communications system integrating X, military Ka, and UHF bands, with proprietary reconfigurable X-band antennas capable of performing the work of 16 traditional antennas and disabling jamming attempts. Earth observation is anchored by the PAZ radar satellite (in service since 2018) and the next-generation PAZ-2 programme (prime contracted to Airbus in July 2025, first launch expected mid-2031), offering sub-25 cm image quality and up to 6.7 million km² of daily coverage. Hisdesat also certified the Indra-developed TSUB 40Ka submarine Ka-band terminal delivering user data rates exceeding 1 Mbps.

The business model rests on long-term, recurring government satellite capacity contracts, primarily with the Spanish Armed Forces, allied government agencies, and EU institutions (notably the EUSPA GOVSATCOM Hub, €107 million awarded in 2024, integrated into the future IRIS² constellation). Revenue mechanics are subscription-style recurring service revenue rather than transactional, with pricing undisclosed and contracts awarded through sovereign procurement frameworks. Go-to-market is exclusively enterprise/direct government field sales with no commercial or SMB segment, and distribution is via direct relationships plus participation in European space programmes (ESA Pacis 3, EUSPA GOVSATCOM, 5G-HUB).

In April 2025, Hisdesat was acquired by Indra Group as part of its consolidation of Spanish aerospace and defense assets (alongside Hispasat and Deimos), making it a subsidiary within a €4.843 billion-revenue publicly listed defense and IT group. Indra's Space division reported 393% revenue growth and a €11.4 billion defense backlog. Hisdesat continues to operate as a sovereign Spanish satellite entity, now positioned as the space-services pillar of Indra's defense portfolio. Source data contains no evidence of disclosed standalone revenue, headcount beyond the 51–100 band, AI/ML capabilities, or external funding rounds.

Name

Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos

Legal name

Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos

Website

https://hisdesat.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos is a Spanish government satellite operator providing secure communications (SpainSat NG) and radar Earth observation (PAZ/PAZ-2) for the Spanish Armed Forces, allied governments, and EU institutions, now operating as a subsidiary of Indra Group within sovereign European space infrastructure.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Satellite Communications Services

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Satellite Telecommunications (51741)

SIC

Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile) (HDAIAJAD), Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)

Keywords

• Government satellite communications
• Secure defense satellite services
• Earth observation radar satellites
• Sovereign space infrastructure
• Military satellite terminals

Headquarters

HQ city

Madrid

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Government Satellite Communications Services: Hisdesat provides secure satellite communications services to Spanish government agencies, allied governments, and defense forces. Revenue is generated through long-term government contracts for satellite capacity and secure communications services.
2. Earth Observation Data Services: The company operates radar observation satellites (PAZ) providing Earth observation data to Spanish Armed Forces for intelligence, surveillance, and civilian applications. Revenue generated through government service contracts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Core offering

Hisdesat operates sovereign Spanish satellite infrastructure providing secure military-grade communications and radar Earth observation services to government defense agencies, allied governments, and the European Union. The company sells satellite capacity and associated ground terminals from its SpainSat NG system (X, military Ka, UHF bands), PAZ/PAZ-2 radar imaging satellites, and certified submarine terminals, delivered under long-term government contracts and EU GOVSATCOM frameworks.

Product overview

Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos is a Spanish satellite service provider offering a portfolio of sovereign satellite communications and Earth observation products. The core offering centers on the SpainSat NG secure communications satellite system with dual satellites providing X, military Ka, and UHF band coverage for government and defense applications. The company complements this with submarine-specific terminals (TSUB 40Ka) and participates in European programs including the GOVSATCOM Hub and 5G-HUB initiative. The Earth observation line, anchored by the legacy PAZ satellite since 2018, is being expanded through the PAZ-2 radar satellite program. The product architecture combines proprietary satellite infrastructure with integration into broader European secure communications initiatives like IRIS².

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SpainSat NG (Next Generation) Twin secure communications satellite system providing sovereign satellite communications services for Spanish and allied government agencies. Integrates X, military Ka, and UHF bands with innovative reconfigurable X-band antennas capable of geolocating and disabling jamming attempts.
• TSUB 40Ka Submarine Terminal Ka-band satellite communications terminal specifically designed for submarines, certified for use with the SpainSat NG satellite system. Delivers user data rates exceeding 1 Mbps while maintaining compact design and improving submarine resilience against interference, cyberattacks, and adverse space conditions.
• PAZ-2 Radar Satellites Next-generation radar imaging satellites building on the original PAZ satellite. Will offer image quality better than 25 centimetres with daily coverage of up to 6.7 million km², strengthening intelligence and surveillance capabilities for Spanish Armed Forces.
• PAZ Earth Observation Satellite

Quantifiable outcome

• Active satellites in orbit increased from ~2,000 in 2019 to 14,000+ today, driving demand for spectrum monitoring and secure communications
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Indra GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Hisdesat has been consolidated into Indra Group following acquisitions. The Space division posted 393% revenue growth, and Indra's defense backlog reached €11.4 billion (up 279%).
• Indra SistemascoreTechnology or Integration · 29 March 2026Indra developed and certified the TSUB 40Ka submarine terminal for use with the SpainSat NG satellite system. The terminal was certified by Hisdesat and delivers user data rates exceeding 1 Mbps while maintaining a compact design.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2026ESA supported the SpainSat Next Generation programme through its Pacis 3 Partnership Project, developing innovative reconfigurable X-band antennas capable of performing the work of 16 traditional antennas with geolocation and jamming disable capabilities.
• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Airbus has been selected as prime contractor by Hisdesat for the development and manufacture of two new PAZ-2 radar satellites. Approximately 65% of the satellites' content will be developed by Spanish industry, with Airbus leading a consortium of more than 15 Spanish companies. The first PAZ-2 satellite is expected to enter service by mid-2031.
• GMVcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024GMV leads a consortium including Indra and Hisdesat for the €107 million GOVSATCOM Hub contract awarded by EUSPA. The initial system integrates capacity from eight satellites operated by five Member States.
• European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024EUSPA awarded the €107 million GOVSATCOM Hub contract to GMV with Hisdesat as consortium member. The programme provides secure, encrypted satellite communications under European control, integrating with IRIS².

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• XTAR: US-based operator of X-band military satellite communications serving US and allied government users. Closely comparable niche peer to Hisdesat's SpainSat NG X-band military SATCOM offering for allied nations.
• Iridium Communications: US operator of a LEO satellite constellation providing secure mobile SATCOM to defense, maritime, and government customers. Directly comparable in secure government/maritime SATCOM positioning, though operating in L-band versus Hisdesat's X/Ka/UHF bands.

Emerging players

• ICEYE: Finnish SAR (synthetic aperture radar) Earth observation company operating a growing commercial constellation with government and defense customers. Comparable to Hisdesat's PAZ/PAZ-2 SAR capabilities though with smaller-form-factor satellites and a commercial-leaning model.
• Capella Space: US-based SAR Earth observation operator serving defense, intelligence, and commercial customers with sub-50cm imagery. Comparable to Hisdesat's PAZ radar observation services in technology and government customer overlap.

Broad incumbents

• Eutelsat Group: European satellite operator formed via Eutelsat-OneWeb merger, providing GEO broadband and LEO constellation services including government connectivity. Comparable to Hisdesat as a European satellite operator participating in EU sovereign connectivity programmes.
• Thales Alenia Space: European joint venture manufacturing satellites and providing secure communications and Earth observation solutions, including government/defense SATCOM. Comparable as a European sovereign space player and a potential systems integration partner for Hisdesat programmes.
• SES: Luxembourg-based satellite operator with SES Government Solutions, providing secure military and government SATCOM via GEO and MEO (O3b) constellations. Directly comparable to Hisdesat as a government-focused satellite operator serving NATO allies and European institutions.
• Viasat: US-based satellite communications company with a dedicated Global Government segment providing secure X-band and Ka-band SATCOM to defense customers globally. Highly comparable to Hisdesat in target customer, technology bands, and defense/security positioning.

Regional players

• Arabsat: Saudi Arabia-based regional satellite operator providing government, broadcast, and telecom services across the Middle East and North Africa. Comparable as a sovereign/government-aligned regional satellite operator serving defense and institutional customers, though geographically distinct.
• Hispasat: Spanish satellite operator also consolidated under Indra Group alongside Hisdesat, providing communications capacity in Spanish/Portuguese-speaking markets. Closely comparable in geography and parent-company context, though focused on commercial versus sovereign defense customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hisdesat-servicios-estrategicos-s.a.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos