This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Airbus and Hisdesat Secure Commercial Future for High-Resolution PAZ 2 Radar Constellation

On January 28, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat, the Spanish government satellite operator, formalized a major commercialization agreement regarding the PAZ 2 Earth observation program. Signed at the European Space Conference in Brussels, this deal cements a long-term partnerships designed to bring next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to the global market.

According to the official announcement, the agreement grants Airbus the rights to co-commercialize data from the upcoming PAZ 2 constellation. This program represents a significant technological evolution from the original PAZ satellite, promising ultra-high-resolution capabilities that target elite defense, intelligence, and infrastructure monitoring sectors. The collaboration builds upon a relationship established in 2018, ensuring continuity for current users while preparing the market for a drastic increase in imaging fidelity.

The PAZ 2 program, which includes two satellites, is scheduled to begin service by mid-2031. While Hisdesat retains capacity for Spanish governmental use, Airbus will leverage its international sales network to distribute surplus capacity to military and commercial clients worldwide.

Technological Leap: 10 cm Resolution

The transition from the current PAZ satellite to the PAZ 2 constellation involves a substantial upgrade in technical specifications. The press release and technical data indicate that the new system will offer a resolution of up to 10 cm, a marked improvement over the previous 25 cm capability. This level of detail allows for the precise identification of smaller objects, vehicle types, and infrastructure damage, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

In addition to resolution, the constellation approach doubles the revisit capacity compared to the single-satellite PAZ 1 mission. The new satellites are designed to cover approximately 6.7 million square kilometers per satellite daily, a more than 20-fold increase in area coverage compared to the legacy system. The system also boasts a swath width of up to 500 km and near real-time latency capabilities, reducing data delivery times to as little as five minutes for critical tactical operations.

“This partnership aims to push the boundaries of SAR-based Earth observation and provide innovative solutions to meet growing global demand for both military and commercial markets.”

, Eric Even, Head of Space Digital at Airbus Defence and Space

Strategic Context and Dual-Use Mission

The PAZ 2 program is a central pillar of Spain’s national space strategy, supported by a loan of approximately €1 billion from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The system is designed for dual-use applications, serving both the Spanish Ministry of Defence and civilian sectors.

For defense purposes, the constellation will provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. On the civilian side, the data will support infrastructure monitoring, disaster management, and maritime surveillance. Miguel Ángel García Primo, CEO of Hisdesat, emphasized the continuity of the alliance in the official release:

“The renewed alliance would ensure continuity of cooperation… while accelerating the adoption of SAR imagery, which can operate in all weather conditions and at any time of day.”

, Miguel Ángel García Primo, CEO of Hisdesat

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this agreement arrives during a period of intense bifurcation in the Earth Observation market. While “New Space” companies like ICEYE and Capella Space have focused on launching large constellations of smaller, lower-cost satellites to maximize revisit rates, the PAZ 2 program represents a commitment to the “high-end” tier of the market.

By targeting 10 cm resolution and high geometric accuracy, Airbus and Hisdesat are positioning PAZ 2 to compete on quality and fidelity rather than just frequency. This strategy appeals to customers requiring “gold standard” data for precise targeting and detailed infrastructure analysis, capabilities that smaller, cheaper satellites often struggle to match consistently. Furthermore, the integration of PAZ 2 data into Airbus’s existing portfolio allows the European giant to offer a comprehensive package of optical (Pléiades Neo) and radar imagery, securing its standing against growing US and Asian competition.

Timeline and Manufacturing

The manufacturing contract for the PAZ 2 satellites was awarded to Airbus in July 2025. With the commercialization framework now signed in early 2026, the program is moving toward a projected service entry in 2031. The satellites will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit to maintain consistent lighting conditions, similar to the current PAZ and the German TerraSAR-X missions.

Sources

• Airbus

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus Defence and Space.

Airbus Defence and Space has officially confirmed the timeline for its next generation of Earth observation capabilities. In an announcement made on January 27, 2026, the European aerospace giant revealed that the first satellite of the Pléiades Neo Next program is scheduled for launch in early 2028. The new program represents a significant technological evolution, introducing native resolution in the 20-centimeter class, a marked improvement over the current 30-centimeter industry standard.

According to the company, the satellite will be launched aboard an Avio-manufactured Vega C rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This initiative is designed to secure service continuity for Airbus’s government and commercial clients through at least 2040, while simultaneously responding to intensifying competition in the high-resolution satellite imagery market.

Pushing the Boundaries of Resolution

The core advancement of the Pléiades Neo Next program is the shift to 20 cm native resolution. While the existing Pléiades Neo constellation,which began launching in 2021,offers 30 cm resolution, the new “Next” generation aims to provide significantly finer detail. This capability allows for the identification of smaller objects and more precise infrastructure monitoring, a critical requirement for defense intelligence and urban planning sectors.

Airbus states that the program is fully funded, manufactured, and operated by the company. In addition to the optical hardware upgrades, the system will integrate with the OneAtlas digital platform and upgraded Direct Receiving Stations (DRS). These ground segment enhancements are intended to reduce data latency to minutes, enabling near real-time tasking and delivery.

Eric Even, Head of Space Digital at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the continuity and ambition of the program in a statement included in the press release:

“The Pléiades Neo Next programme builds on the success of our existing Pléiades Neo constellation which serves government and commercial customers around the world. This programme will further enhance our standard of excellence in terms of quality, performance, and reliability to deliver images as well as geo-intelligence services and applications.”

Launch Logistics and Strategic Resilience

The selection of the Vega C launcher highlights a continued commitment to European space sovereignty. Despite the setback in December 2022, where a Vega C launch failure resulted in the loss of two Pléiades Neo satellites (Neo 5 and 6), Airbus has reaffirmed its confidence in the European launcher system. The upcoming launch in early 2028 will take place at the Guiana Space Centre, ensuring that the satellite, launcher, and operator remain strictly European.

The Pléiades Neo Next program serves a dual purpose: it advances technological capabilities and replenishes the constellation following the 2022 losses. By integrating these new assets with the existing fleet, Airbus aims to increase revisit rates, allowing users to image specific locations multiple times per day.

AirPro News Analysis

The Race for 20 Centimeters

The move to 20 cm resolution is not merely an incremental upgrade; it is a strategic necessity in what industry observers call the “resolution war.” Airbus is positioning Pléiades Neo Next directly against competitors like Maxar Technologies, whose WorldView Legion constellation also targets the ultra-high-resolution market. For defense and intelligence clients, the difference between 30 cm and 20 cm can be the deciding factor in contract awards, as the higher resolution allows for the distinction of vehicle types and equipment details that coarser imagery might obscure.

Furthermore, by sticking with the Vega C rocket despite previous failures, Airbus is signaling a strong political and industrial commitment to EU autonomy in space access. While this carries inherent risk, it ensures that the Pléiades Neo Next program remains a sovereign European asset, free from reliance on non-European launch providers,a key selling point for EU defense ministries seeking independence from US or Chinese data chains.

Sources

• Airbus Defence and Space

FAA Approves SpaceX Starship Operations at Kennedy Space Center

On January 30, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and signed the Record of Decision (ROD) regarding SpaceX’s proposal to operate the Starship-Super Heavy vehicle from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center. This regulatory milestone officially clears the way for SpaceX to construct massive new infrastructure and conduct high-frequency launch and landing operations from Florida’s Space Coast.

The decision authorizes SpaceX to conduct up to 44 launches and 88 landings annually. The approval is a critical step for NASA’s Artemis program, which relies on the Starship vehicle as the Human Landing System (HLS) for returning astronauts to the lunar surface. By establishing a redundant launch site outside of its Starbase facility in Texas, SpaceX aims to significantly increase the flight cadence required for deep space exploration.

Scope of Approved Operations

The Record of Decision outlines a significant expansion of capabilities at the historic LC-39A pad. According to the FAA documentation, the approved operational tempo includes:

• Launches: Up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy missions per year.
• Landings: Up to 88 landings annually, split between 44 Super Heavy boosters and 44 Starship upper stages.
• Static Fire Tests: Up to 88 engine tests per year.

To support these operations, SpaceX is authorized to construct approximately 800,000 square feet of new infrastructure. This includes a dedicated launch mount, a “catch tower” (often referred to as Mechazilla) designed to capture returning boosters mid-air, a methane liquefier, an air separation unit, and extensive commodity storage farms.

The documentation notes that landings may occur at the launch site or on droneships. Specifically, the Super Heavy booster is permitted to land at LC-39A or on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean, while the Starship upper stage has broader landing options, including the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

The EIS acknowledges that the introduction of the world’s largest rocket to the Space Coast will generate significant environmental and community impacts. The FAA has mandated specific mitigation measures to address these concerns.

Sonic Booms and Structural Risks

The sheer size and power of the Starship system mean that launch noise and sonic booms will be more intense than those produced by current vehicles like the Falcon 9. The EIS indicates that sonic booms generated during landing could create overpressures exceeding 4 pounds per square foot (psf) in nearby communities such as Titusville and Merritt Island.

According to the report, these pressures could cause minor structural damage, such as broken windows or plaster cracks, in rare instances. To mitigate this, the FAA requires SpaceX to implement a structural damage monitoring program for historic buildings and private residences. Furthermore, the company must maintain insurance to cover valid claims related to launch acoustics.

Public Access and Wildlife

Operations at LC-39A will necessitate closures of public lands to ensure safety. The EIS estimates that the Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) could face up to 60.5 full-day equivalent closures per year. These closures will affect popular areas like Playalinda Beach.

The FAA has stated that closures must be coordinated with the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize disruptions during peak visitor seasons. Additionally, the report identifies potential risks to federally listed species, including the Florida scrub-jay, sea turtles, piping plover, and red knot. SpaceX is required to adhere to strict lighting management plans to prevent the disorientation of nesting sea turtles and must conduct ongoing biological monitoring.

Strategic Context for Artemis

This approval is strategically vital for the United States’ space exploration goals. The Starship system is the backbone of NASA’s plan to land humans on the Moon under the Artemis III and IV missions. While development has been centered in Boca Chica, Texas, establishing a Florida launch site provides necessary redundancy and access to the extensive logistics infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center.

AirPro News Analysis

The FAA’s decision to greenlight 44 annual launches of a super-heavy-lift vehicle marks a paradigm shift for the Space Coast. If SpaceX reaches this cadence, combined with existing commercial and government manifests, the region could see launch numbers exceeding 150 per year. While this cements Florida’s status as the world’s premier spaceport, it places immense pressure on local infrastructure and community tolerance regarding noise and beach access.

Furthermore, the requirement for SpaceX to carry insurance specifically for acoustic structural damage is a notable regulatory development. It suggests that regulators anticipate the physical reality of “catching” massive boosters near populated areas will carry tangible risks that standard operating procedures must now account for financially.

Sources

Sources: FAA Final EIS Volume I