The Canary Islands are poised to launch their own satellite constellation, dubbed Magec – named for the Guanche god of the sun – within the next four years. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the local company CanarySat, isn’t aiming to compete directly with global internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink, but rather to establish a secure and resilient communications network tailored for critical infrastructure and emergency services. The initiative represents a significant step towards greater digital sovereignty for the archipelago and a potential economic boost for the region.
Unlike Starlink’s focus on providing broad consumer internet access, Magec will consist of 264 satellites designed to prioritize secure communications. According to CanarySat CEO Antonio Abad, the goal is to create a network capable of operating even in complex or disruptive situations. “Our objective is to create a communications network from space that is secure, resilient and designed for critical services,” Abad stated during the Satellite Show 2026 in Washington, D.C. Which means ensuring governments, essential infrastructure, and emergency responders can maintain connectivity when traditional systems are compromised.
A Focus on Security and Resilience
CanarySat, based in the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), is responsible for the operation of the constellation. The project’s emphasis on security stems from a growing awareness of vulnerabilities in existing satellite communication systems. Traditional networks can be susceptible to jamming, hacking, and physical attacks, potentially disrupting vital services during crises. Magec aims to mitigate these risks through advanced encryption, robust network architecture, and a focus on redundancy. The constellation will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), at an altitude of 900 kilometers, providing global coverage and high availability through 12 orbital planes.
Each satellite in the Magec constellation will weigh approximately 300 kilograms – comparable to a large motorcycle or a piano – and will be equipped with an active communications antenna and inter-satellite links. This allows for a robust and secure network capable of relaying data efficiently. Abad emphasized that the satellites are “optimized to offer real capacity and at the same time be able to be deployed efficiently.” This careful balance between capability and deployment cost is crucial for the project’s long-term sustainability.
Addressing Space Debris Concerns
The increasing number of satellites in orbit has raised concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions. CanarySat is proactively addressing these concerns by incorporating mitigation strategies into the design and operation of the Magec constellation. The company plans to retire satellites in a controlled manner at the end of their lifespan, preventing them from becoming long-term hazards. They will implement systems to minimize the risk of collisions, adhering to international standards for space debris mitigation. “We are in low orbit, which allows us to remove the satellites in a controlled manner at the end of their useful life,” Abad explained.
The services offered by the Magec constellation will extend beyond basic internet connectivity. Key applications include resilient connectivity during natural disasters, secure links between 5G cellular towers, high-speed point-to-point communications for mobile platforms, and protected connectivity for critical operations. This broad range of capabilities positions Magec as a valuable asset for both public and private sector organizations.
Canary Islands as a Strategic Hub
The first launch of Magec satellites is currently slated for 2028, with a phased deployment planned between 2029 and 2030, when the system is expected to be fully operational. The project is expected to transform the Canary Islands into a strategic communications hub, bridging Europe, Africa, and the Americas. According to CanarySat, this will not only improve the islands’ own connectivity but also attract investment, talent, and industrial activity, creating high-quality employment opportunities.
A key component of this vision is the teleport infrastructure for satellite communications currently being developed by the Tenerife Cabildo (island council) through the Institute of Technology and Renewable Energies (ITER), in collaboration with the company Arquimea. Abad emphasized that this infrastructure is “not just a support facility, it is a central piece of the system,” enabling the operation of satellites, data processing, and the delivery of services from the Canary Islands to the rest of the world – for both the Magec constellation and those of other operators.
This development positions the archipelago, as Abad insists, “not only as a user, but as an active part of the global communications infrastructure.”
The Canary Islands’ investment in space-based communications reflects a broader trend towards greater digital autonomy and resilience. As reliance on satellite technology grows, securing access to reliable and secure communications networks is becoming increasingly critical for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. The Magec constellation represents a significant step towards achieving this goal for the Canary Islands and potentially serving as a model for other regions seeking to enhance their digital sovereignty.
CanarySat is currently in the design phase of the constellation, with the first demonstration missions planned for 2028. Further updates on the project’s progress will be released as the launch date approaches. For more information on the Satellite Show 2026, visit satelliteshow.com.
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