Airbus has been selected by Hisdesat, Spain’s government satellite services operator, to design and build the PAZ-2 satellite, a next-generation radar observation satellite that will reinforce Spain’s strategic autonomy in space-based surveillance. 
Published on Jul 31,2025 at 10:21 AM | Updated on Oct 20,2025 at 10:27 AM

As a significant follow-on to the PAZ-1 mission launched in 2018, PAZ-2 will expand Hisdesat’s secure Earth observation services for both civilian and military stakeholders.

The PAZ-2 satellite will deliver enhanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities. It will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, offering high-resolution imaging regardless of weather or daylight conditions, a key requirement for governmental security, border surveillance, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.

 

Strategic Implications for Spain’s Defence and Space Ambitions

The PAZ-2 satellite contract reflects Spain’s determination to reinforce its position in space sovereignty and intelligence-gathering capacity. Hisdesat’s collaboration with Airbus ensures continuity in national access to Earth observation data, while increasing autonomy from non-European providers.

This programme fits within a broader European strategy of developing independent capabilities in critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, navigation, and Earth monitoring. It also bolsters Spain’s national industrial base, as Airbus’ Madrid-Barajas site will take the lead on satellite integration, with multiple local companies likely to be involved across the supply chain.

PAZ-2, it will host an advanced SAR payload designed to deliver ultra-high-resolution imaging, essential for geospatial intelligence and mission-critical applications. It will also offer improved revisit time and imaging capabilities, and will be fully interoperable with the existing PAZ-1 mission, allowing users to cross-reference datasets and enhance temporal resolution.

 

Expanding Government Satellite Services

The PAZ-2 satellite is a cornerstone in Hisdesat’s roadmap for expanding secure government satellite services. It complements the operator’s existing fleet, which includes not only PAZ-1 but also satellites under the Spainsat NG programme, focused on secure communications.

Together, these assets create a robust infrastructure for Spanish and allied government use, reinforcing partnerships within NATO and the European Union, and offering dual-use potential for civilian institutions and research bodies.

 

Earth Observation at the Service of Security and the Environment

Beyond defence applications, the PAZ-2 satellite will contribute to climate monitoring, natural disaster management, urban planning, and maritime surveillance. By providing consistent and weather-independent imagery, it supports decision-making in fields ranging from environmental protection to agricultural assessment.

This dual-use model reflects a broader and accelerating shift in how Earth observation technologies are being developed and applied, not only as tools for strategic and defence-related advantage, but also as critical assets for addressing societal challenges such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and sustainable development.

 

A Strong European Industry Footprint

With the integration of PAZ-2 taking place in Spain, the project reinforces Airbus’ industrial presence in the country. It also aligns with Spain’s commitment to invest in strategic technologies and maintain a sovereign capability in satellite production.

The satellite is expected to launch in the coming years and will significantly increase the performance and versatility of Hisdesat’s radar-based services.