# XTAR-EUR > Spanish communication satellite **Wikidata**: [Q2597611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2597611) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XTAR-EUR) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xtar-eur ## Summary XTAR-EUR is a Spanish communication satellite launched on February 12, 2005, as part of Spain's geostationary telecommunications infrastructure. Designed as a geostationary satellite, it was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems and launched via an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, serving as a key component in Spain's defense and communication networks. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite - **Launch Date**: February 12, 2005, at 21:03:01 UTC from ELA-3 - **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V164) - **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems - **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300 - **Mass**: 3,631 kg (launch weight), 1,412 kg (dry weight) - **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 2 panels and 5,773 W capacity - **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit - **Service Life**: 15 years (design life) - **Operator**: Spain (as of July 31, 2020) - **Replaced By**: SpainSat NG-I (as of August 2025) - **Country of Origin**: Spain - **COSPAR ID**: 2005-005A - **NSSDCA ID**: 2005-005A - **Website**: [Hispasat XTAR-EUR](https://www.hispasat.com/en/satellite-fleet/governmental-satellites/xtar-eur) (English) - **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in German, English, Spanish, French, Galician, and Portuguese ## FAQs **What type of satellite is XTAR-EUR?** XTAR-EUR is a communications satellite operating in a geostationary orbit, designed for telecommunications. **Who manufactured XTAR-EUR?** The satellite was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems, an aerospace company based in Spain. **When was XTAR-EUR launched?** XTAR-EUR was launched on February 12, 2005, at 21:03:01 UTC from ELA-3 using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket. **What is the mass of XTAR-EUR?** XTAR-EUR has a launch weight of 3,631 kg and a dry weight of 1,412 kg. **How long was XTAR-EUR expected to operate?** XTAR-EUR was designed for a 15-year service life. **What replaced XTAR-EUR?** XTAR-EUR was succeeded by SpainSat NG-I, which entered service in August 2025. **What is the power source of XTAR-EUR?** XTAR-EUR is powered by a spacecraft solar array with two panels and a capacity of 5,773 watts. ## Why It Matters XTAR-EUR played a crucial role in Spain's defense and communication infrastructure, providing reliable geostationary telecommunications services. Its launch marked a significant milestone in Spain's space capabilities, demonstrating the country's commitment to advanced satellite technology. The satellite's 15-year operational life ensured continuous service, supporting both civilian and government communications. Its retirement in 2025 paved the way for the next-generation SpainSat NG-I, reflecting ongoing advancements in Spain's space program. ## Notable For - First Spanish communications satellite to operate in a geostationary orbit - Designed for both civilian and government telecommunications - Utilized the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus, a key platform for Spanish satellites - Powered by a high-capacity solar array (5,773 W) - Served as a precursor to the SpainSat NG-I series ## Body ### Overview XTAR-EUR is a Spanish communication satellite launched on February 12, 2005, as part of Spain's geostationary telecommunications infrastructure. Designed as a geostationary satellite, it was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems and launched via an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, serving as a key component in Spain's defense and communication networks. ### Technical Specifications XTAR-EUR has a launch mass of 3,631 kg and a dry mass of 1,412 kg. It is powered by a spacecraft solar array with two panels and a capacity of 5,773 watts. The satellite operates in a geostationary orbit and was designed for a 15-year service life. Its COSPAR ID is 2005-005A, and its NSSDCA ID is 2005-005A. ### Launch and Deployment XTAR-EUR was launched on February 12, 2005, at 21:03:01 UTC from ELA-3 using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (Flight V164). The launch was conducted by Arianespace, and the satellite was deployed into its geostationary orbit. ### Operational History XTAR-EUR served as a communications satellite for Spain, providing essential telecommunications services. It was succeeded by SpainSat NG-I, which entered service in August 2025. The satellite's retirement marked the end of an era for Spain's space communications, paving the way for advanced next-generation technology. ### Related Entities XTAR-EUR is classified as both a communications satellite and a geostationary satellite. It was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems, a Spanish aerospace company with a history dating back to 1957. The satellite's launch vehicle was the Ariane 5 ECA, a European launch vehicle used for heavy payloads. ### Significance XTAR-EUR's launch and operation were significant milestones in Spain's space program. It demonstrated the country's capability to develop and deploy advanced satellite technology, contributing to both civilian and government communications. The satellite's 15-year service life ensured continuous service, supporting Spain's telecommunications infrastructure. Its retirement in 2025 highlighted the ongoing advancements in Spain's space capabilities, with the introduction of the SpainSat NG-I series. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/xtar-eur.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. [Source](https://spacenews.com/xtar-eyes-u-s-defense-market-expansion-with-next-gen-satellites/) 4. [El SpainSat NG- I entra en servicio. Avion Revue. 2025](https://www.avionrevue.com/espacio/el-spainsat-ng-i-entra-en-servicio/)