Ferrovial has completed a satellite control centre (SCC) for Spain’s Hisdesat on a site in Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, provided by the country’s Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The new facility is expected to enhance Hisdesat’s capabilities ahead of the launch of two new SpainSat NG satellites in the coming months. The SCC will also centralise satellite control, monitoring, and tracking operations currently carried out from several locations.
Ferrovial delivered the building – said to be unique – on schedule in 13 months, despite the complexity of the project, and the exacting standards required.
Spain’s MOD has classified the building as being directly related to national defence. It meets the ministry’s security requirements for government satellite control and operations, as well as those for Spain’s participation in missions by international organisations such as NATO and the UN.
The SCC was planned, designed and built in accordance with principles of efficiency, sustainability and environmental preservation, Ferrovial said, while also complying with the strict security and privacy requirements of the activity.
Designed by WSP Spain, the building blends into its surroundings and pursues sustainability through rainwater recycling systems, grey water reuse and photovoltaic canopies.
The goal is to achieve the levels of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness required to obtain LEED Gold certification. In addition, the construction on two levels recessed into the ground reduces the visual impact on the Upper Manzanares Regional Park, in which it is located, while also guaranteeing users’ privacy.
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