Altice Labs and the European Space Agency (ESA), with the support of MEO, have started the second phase of the "5G Nanosatellite", a pioneering initiative that promises to transform global connectivity and will be launched in 2027. The aim is to integrate state-of-the-art communication technologies into nanosatellites, creating a two-way 5G terminal capable of operating almost permanently in low earth orbit (LEO).
The project will test the feasibility 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 an altitude of around 500 km. The RFSoC combines high-speed data converters, multi-core processing and FPGA on a single chip, eliminating the need for external components. In addition, the project takes advantage of the 5G terrestrial infrastructure and the standards defined by 3GPP for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
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 most low orbits.
This approach, combined with the use of standardized technology with handover and roaming capabilities, will make it possible to ensure almost continuous connectivity during orbit, eliminate exclusive dependence on ground stations for receiving mission data and even lower communication costs. Another highlight is that the 5G UE terminal will follow a global standard (IP over 5G), overcoming the limitations of existing SDR platforms that use multiple communication protocols.
To realize this vision, Altice Labs is working in collaboration with researchers from IST NanosatLab and the University of Luxembourg/SnT, bringing together national and international experience in developing innovative solutions for space communications.
Project phases
- Phase 1: The first phase, dedicated to defining the requirements and feasibility tests, took place between January and October 2024. This stage made it possible to carry out rigorous comparative tests and validate the proposed architecture.
- Phase 2: The Technology Phase is currently underway, focusing on hardware development, systems integration and ground tests. GNB stations are being installed in three locations in Portugal, which will ensure the connection with the satellite in orbit. This phase should be completed by 2026. On April 8 this year, the Portuguese Space Agency accompanied a successful demonstration at the Altice Labs facilities, where a working prototype of the 5G UE terminal, equipped with a camera, transmitted video in real time to a ground computer with an internet connection.
- Phase 3 and final: The launch of the satellite is scheduled for 2027, marking the final phase of validation in a real environment. This milestone will mark not only the culmination of years of research, but also the beginning of a new era for NTN-based mobile communications.
This project puts Portugal at the forefront of the development of technological solutions for the space sector, while reinforcing Altice Labs' position as a leading technological company in innovation and a benchmark 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.