Infrastructure operator Ferrovial has constructed a new Satellite Control Center (SCC) in Madrid, Spain, on schedule, taking 13 months.  

This facility, equipped with what is claimed to be some of Europe's most advanced technology, will bolster Hisdesat's operations in anticipation of the launch of two new SpainSat NG satellites. 

The SCC, situated in Hoyo de Manzanares and provided by Spain's Ministry of Defence, is set to centralise Hisdesat's satellite control, monitoring, and tracking operations, which are currently spread across various locations.  

The Ministry of Defence has deemed the construction of the SCC vital to national defence, highlighting the building's uniqueness owing to its installations’ complexity. 

Adhering to the Spanish Ministry of Defence's security requirements, the SCC is designed to support government satellite control and operation.  

It also facilitates Spain's involvement in missions with Nato and the UN.  

The building's design by WSP Spain integrates the objectives of efficiency, sustainability, and environmental preservation while meeting stringent security and privacy standards. 

SCC's design includes rainwater recycling, grey water reuse, and photovoltaic canopies, aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification.  

Moreover, the construction's two-level design, partially underground, minimises visual impact on the Upper Manzanares Regional Park and ensures user privacy. 

This announcement comes almost a month after Ferrovial deployed Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, across its work centres in more than 15 countries worldwide. 

Meanwhile, in the first quarter of financial year 2024, Ferrovial generated revenues of €1.87bn ($2.06bn), up 3.5% on a like-for-like basis compared with the previous year.  

The company's adjusted earnings before interest and taxes for the quarter stood at €152m.