What does it take to place a satellite into orbit?

Satellites can have different purposes, such as Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation or scientific research. Before launching a satellite, it must be designed and built according to the specific objectives demanded by the different mission clients. The design must take into account:

• Weight and size: Satellites must be light enough to be carried by the rocket, but also robust enough to withstand the extreme conditions of space. The launch mass is a factor that decisively affects the cost of putting the satellite into orbit, so this parameter must be optimized to the maximum to make the satellite project profitable.
• Energy systems: Most satellites rely on solar panels to generate electricity. In addition, they have a propulsion system to perform the different orbit correction maneuvers.
• Communication technology: To transmit data to Earth, satellites need efficient and reliable communication systems. In addition, they have remote control and telemetry systems that are monitored from satellite control centers to ensure their correct operation.
• Thermal Protection: Since temperatures can range from 120ºC on the Sun-facing side of the satellite to -150ºC on the shadow side, it is crucial to design the satellite with thermal control systems that keep its components at an appropriate temperature.

This process ends with a series of extremely exhasutive tests, which simulate the extreme conditions to which the satellite will be subjected in space throughout its more than 15 years of lifetime.

Selecting the launch vehicle

Once the satellite is designed and built, it is transported to the launch site. Launch vehicles are rockets specially designed to transport one or more satellite payloads to a specific orbit and release it at the appropriate location.

Orbit Selection

Orbit selection is a crucial factor that depends on the purpose of the satellite:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Located between 200 and 2,000 km above the Earth's surface, low Earth orbit is used, among other applications, for Earth observation and telecommunications.
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Between 2,000 and 35,785 km, it is also used for communications and navigation satellites.
• Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Used by telecommunications satellites such as Hispasat's, they maintain a fixed coverage footprint over the Earth, at 35,786 km above sea level.
• Polar Orbits: They allow global coverage by passing over the poles, useful for climate observation and monitoring.

Pre-launch preparations

Before launch, multiple tests are carried out to ensure that everything is in order:

• Integration of the satellite with the rocket: The satellite is placed on top of the rocket and compatibility tests are carried out.
• Simulations and tests: Flight simulations and ground tests are run to identify and correct any possible faults.
• Site safety: The launch site must be prepared, ensuring that all people and equipment are safe.

The launch

The launch is one of the most critical moments of the entire mission. It involves the ignition of the rocket's engines and its ascent through the atmosphere so that the satellite begins its journey to its orbital position. During this process, the trajectory and status of the rocket must be carefully monitored.

Deployment and entry into service

Once the rocket and satellite separate, the latter will deploy its solar panels, send the first telemetry signals and ignite the apogee engine, through which it will reach - in a journey that can last several months - a provisional orbit, where it will undergo new tests. After passing these, it will move to its final position and begin to provide services. Its status is controlled and monitored from Earth, making periodic adjustments to its orbit and systems if necessary.

Our experience

Currently, our company has 10 satellites in orbit, designed to provide connectivity services throughout the American continent, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe and North Africa. Thanks to them, we bring broadband solutions to the most remote areas of the planet, or even to airplanes and ships on the high seas. In addition, through our subsidiary Hisdesat, we offer government and defense services through three other satellites.

Below you can see our coverage map: