Hispasat commemorates the 30th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite

30 years have passed since the launch of the Hispasat 1A, satellite launched into orbit that inaugurated the ambitious Spanish space race in the field of telecommunications, defense and cybersecurity.

Hispasat commemorated the anniversary with an event that brought together the promoters of the project in 1992: Joseph Borrell, then Minister of Public Works and current High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; and Elena Salgado, then Secretary General of Telecommunications and today President of the Spanish Consulting Association.

With this event, Hispasat wanted to strengthen the strength of its project and renew the enthusiasm with which it faces new challenges, as stated by its president Jordi Hereu. "This is a great country project that occurred in 1992, a magical year in many aspects that has been transforming reality, therefore, we have to look back with pride and without nostalgia to relaunch a project and bet on a future without borders." Beatriz Corredor, president of Redeia, highlighted that Hispasat helps create a better future for everyone and has contributed to the fact that “we have witnessed the greatest technological acceleration in history in these 30 years.”

Besides, Miguel Ángel Panduro, CEO, stressed that these commemorative events demonstrate the maturity of Hispasat and its ability to adapt to technological change, which is a guarantee of success in the face of future challenges. Likewise, Panduro paid tribute to all those who worked on the project represented in the recognition of Pedro Pintó, technical director responsible for the launch, and was proud to “lead a company that works as a team with heart and soul.”

Borrel, Salgado and their role in the launch of 1A

During the event held by Hispasat, Joseph Borrell explained that the EU strategy in space is based on three pillars. The first of them is consolidate what has been done so far in this area. The second, prepare a secure communications network European Union to guarantee the privacy of citizens and the defense of European values ​​in the digital age. And, thirdly, incorporate the needs of security and defense to satellite connections. “Freedom, progress and cohesion are not enough, we must also have respect for privacy,” he stated.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also pointed out that geopolitical tension is moving into space and it would be advisable to multilateral agreement to guarantee peaceful use of this environment. As he stated, it is essential for the national space sector to work together on the challenges and opportunities, because the future role of the country in this area depends on this collaboration.

On the other hand, Elena Salgado, former vice president of the Government, described the moment of launch as “a magical moment together with the current king of Spain, Felipe VI, members of the then Government of Spain, directors of Hispasat and journalists with bated breath until the explosion of joy at the success of a project in which three years of work were invested.” “A collective dream came true that placed telecommunications in Spain at the forefront of Europe,” Salgado concluded, highlighting the success of this first Hispasat launch.