Altice Labis and the European Space Agency (ESA), with the support of Meo, started the second phase of ‘5G Nanosatellite’, an initiative that takes 5G to space, which will be launched in 2027.
In a statement, it is said that this is a “pioneering initiative that promises to transform global connectivity” and the objective “is to integrate cutting-edge communication technologies into nanosatellites, creating a bidirectional 5G terminal capable of operating almost permanently in low orbit (LEO, ‘Low Earth Orbits’, in English)”.
The project will test the “viability of a 5G terminal based on ‘Software Defined Radio’ and ‘Open-Source Software’, running on an AMD Radio Frequency System on Chip (RFSoC), integrated into a 3U CubeSat, which will orbit at around 500 kilometers altitude”, details Altice Labs.
This project “takes advantage of 5G terrestrial infrastructure and the standards defined by 3GPP for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)”, according to the company.
“The technology being developed will, for example, allow the satellite to maintain an almost continuous connection with the terrestrial network — which represents an important advance compared to current solutions, which rely heavily on ground stations and have limited communication windows”, he adds.
According to Altice Labs, “this initiative aims to develop a 5G User Equipment (UE) terminal and specific antennas for nanosatellites, allowing other players in the space industry to use the technology.”
At the same time, “a generation of 5G Node B (gNB) is being created, specially adapted for NTN, which will reduce the number of base stations needed to cover the majority of low orbits”, he explains.
Altice Labs is working “in collaboration with researchers from IST NanosatLab and the University of Luxembourg/SnT, bringing together national and international experience in the development of innovative solutions for space communications”.
The first phase of the project, “dedicated to defining requirements and feasibility tests, took place between January and October 2024”.
Phase two, of technology, is currently underway, “focused on the development of ‘hardware’, systems integration and ground testing, gNB stations are being installed in three locations in Portugal, which will ensure connection with the satellite in orbit”.
This phase should be completed by 2026.
“On April 8 of this year, the Portuguese Space Agency monitored a successful demonstration at the Altice Labs facilities, where a functional prototype of the 5G UE terminal, equipped with a camera, transmitted video in real time to a terrestrial computer with an Internet connection”, the statement reads.
The 3rd and final phase has to do with the launch of the satellite, which is scheduled for 2027.
“This project places Portugal at the forefront of developing technological solutions for the space sector, while reinforcing Altice Labs’ position as a leading technological company in innovation and a reference in Europe.”
The integration of mobile networks with satellites opens up opportunities in multiple sectors — from industry and agriculture to civil protection — contributing to a more connected and resilient society, concludes Altice Labs.