Pioneering 5G Satellite Advances Global Network Technology

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Telesat have made history by connecting a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite to the ground using 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology.

The breakthrough represents a significant leap toward integrating space-based communications into everyday use.

Using French company Amarisoft’s 5G technology, ESA successfully maintained a stable connection with Telesat’s LEO 3 satellite, even as it moved rapidly across the sky.

Unlike previous experiments with geostationary satellites, this marks the first use of 5G NTN technology with a fast-moving LEO satellite, proving its viability for real-time applications.

This milestone is part of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G initiative, advancing technology to connect everyone, everywhere.

“Through this achievement, we’ve shown ESA’s capability to support advanced satellite broadband networks, paving the way for upcoming projects such as IRIS2,” said Alberto Ginesi, the head of ESA’s Telecom Systems.

Mario Neri, director of Telesat’s Spectrum Strategy, Innovation and Space Sustainability, praised the innovation as a step toward global connectivity, while Amarisoft emphasised its commitment to affordable, cutting-edge solutions.

Direct-to-device connectivity could lower infrastructure costs, and allow seamless transitions between terrestrial and satellite networks. The technology could revolutionise emergency response co-ordination, remote healthcare and industrial operations in underserved areas.

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