The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Poland-based Creotech Instruments S.A. and Microamp Solutions to develop 5G-millimetre-wave (mmWave) capabilities, providing ultra-low latency that is critical for next-generation space and terrestrial applications.
mmWave technology, which operates at frequencies between 24 GHz and 100 GHz, represents the cutting edge of 5G communications. The high-frequency spectrum offers unprecedented data transmission speeds - potentially reaching multi-gigabit per second throughput.
The first phase of this project centres on synchronising terrestrial 5G mmWave networks with satellite components, establishing the foundation for an Non-Terrestrial Network base station system. This integration is crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity between ground-based and space-based communication systems.
The project will install and test its capabilities at the ESA 5G/6G Hub at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) site on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, in the United Kingdom, marking an important milestone in the Hub’s development.
As the only European company specialising exclusively in mmWave technology, Microamp's involvement strengthens Europe's position in the global telecommunications landscape. Combined with Creotech’s unique know-how in ultra-precise time and frequency synchronisation systems, this partnership brings in critical enabling technologies for 5G mmWave networks. This collaboration supports Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical communication infrastructure. The partnership was unveiled in January 2025 during the World Economic Forum at the Business Hub Davos panel, where Microamp CEO, Dawid Kuchta, and Creotech CEO, Grzegorz Brona, presented their vision for satellite-connected 5G networks.
“mmWave technologies are bringing a new capability to our 5G/6G Hub on Harwell Campus. ESA is proud to being working with Creotech Instruments and Microamp, showcasing how European organisations are bringing seamless connectivity through non-terrestrial networks, enabling more resilient communications,” said Fabrizio De Paolis, ESA’s 5G/6G Implementation Manager.
"This collaboration with ESA represents a crucial step toward integrating terrestrial and space-based communications," said Dawid Kuchta, CEO of Microamp. "By combining our multi-gigabit mmWave technology with satellite capabilities, we're creating new possibilities for global connectivity while strengthening Europe's technological sovereignty."
“This is the first project where we will combine our time synchronisation capabilities honed in systems designed for CERN with our know-how in systems for Space, to create key technologies for 5G mmWave base stations," said Grzegorz Brona, CEO of Creotech Instruments. “Combined with the support of our project partners and of ESA, I am sure that this unique set of competences will lead to new products crucial for building high-throughput 5G mmWave networks, thus strengthening the European industry and value chain.”
