ESA is looking to the future of connectivity, selecting Open Cosmos to be the platform operator and manufacturer of its 6G satellite precursor. The project is funded under its Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme.
The satellite mission, known as the 6G laboratory in orbit (LINO), will deploy a 16U CubeSat to low Earth orbit. This innovative platform will serve as a testbed for end-to-end connectivity, providing crucial data and insights that will inform the standardisation of 6G networks. This project underscores how the 5G/6G programme line is bringing together the connectivity ecosystem, in achieving full integration of satellite with terrestrial 5G/6G networks. The development of a satellite-based in-orbit laboratory forms a key component of this strategy.
6G LINO aims to bridge the gap between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, paving the way for seamless 6G connectivity. By facilitating this mission, ESA is not only fostering technological advancement but also strengthening Europe's competitive edge in the global telecommunications market.
The project brings together an industrial consortium, led by TESAT, from a total of seven companies, Open Cosmos, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, University of Surrey, Airbus Defence and Space Friedrichshafen, Deutsche Telekom Business Solutions and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The European consortium contains industry representatives from three ESA Member States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Finland.
Through fostering such partnerships and driving innovation in critical areas like 6G technology, ESA is playing a pivotal role in shaping a more competitive and technologically advanced Europe. This initiative not only contributes to Europe's space capabilities but also reinforces its position as a leader in the development of next-generation global communication systems.
Florian Deconinck, Vice President Growth at Open Cosmos, said: “6G LINO is crucial to define the role of satellites in the next generation of telecommunication standards expected for early 2030s. With Open Cosmos' proven 100% success rate in orbit, our satellite will provide a robust platform for testing the use cases that will shape the future of satellite telecommunications."
“In order for satellite to be part of 6G, it is crucial to deliver such an in-orbit laboratory to test seamless integration and interoperability with terrestrial 6G networks and equipment,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity. “The project will demonstrate the benefits of satellites in the context of 6G use-cases, based on real-world experience. This allows industry within ESA’s Member States to be at the forefront of technology to introduce 6G NTN functionalities and advise on future standards.”
The Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line is a part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which sits under ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications.
The programme is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support the digital transformation of Europe by integrating satellite and ground networks. As part of its role, the 5G/6G team is supporting the convergence of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) through standardisation seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, driving smart mobility, global coverage, security and network resilience.
