The European Space Agency and CTO: Launch European 5G Space Connectivity

In the future, 5G mobile phones could use 5G connectivity anywhere on Earth’s surface and provide comprehensive global coverage for broadband data services, including in areas normally covered by traditional satellite telephone networks with limited connectivity capabilities.

Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), a future provider of space connectivity services, has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the European Space Agency (ESA) to conduct joint experiments in low-Earth orbit (LEO). These tests will focus on the « Preliminary Test, » the first regenerative payload operating in the 5G millimeter wave band, carried aboard a satellite scheduled for launch in June 2025.

The benefits of 5G connectivity via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites could include coverage of extreme or remote geographic areas, beyond seas and oceans, and in areas not covered by terrestrial networks.

Such extensive connectivity would expand the capabilities of 5G roaming services and facilitate global 5G connectivity in areas such as transportation, energy, and healthcare.

At the heart of this collaboration is a real-world trial from low Earth orbit (LEO) using a regenerative 5G payload leveraging telecom operators’ 5G FR2 (millimeter wave) spectrum. Designed as a technological pathway for the future CTO constellation, this test aims to validate the interoperability of space and terrestrial networks, enabling high-speed, low-latency, cost-effective, and sustainable hybrid connectivity.

ESA, a strong supporter of the development of 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), views this initiative as a driver of innovation and European autonomy. The combination of a regenerative payload developed in France and ASE’s experimental capabilities at ECSAT (Oxfordshire, UK) marks a major step forward in the race for European technological sovereignty.

The testing and validation by the European Space Agency and Constellation Technologies & Operations, following approval by 3GPP, the global telecommunications regulator, will enable support for non-terrestrial networks for the first time.

This phase also aims to validate the compatibility of non-terrestrial 5G networks with a mobile phone format, enabling the 5G mobile phone of tomorrow to truly become a satellite phone. The first tests will take place in a simulated space environment in the south of France, where most of the European space industry’s facilities are located.

The NTN 5G technology supported by 3GPP will benefit from a vast ecosystem of standardized products and components. The new specification also enables the integration of NTN technologies into 5G devices, giving technology providers the ability to easily and quickly ensure NTN 5G compatibility for all their devices.

The CTO’s project is not just a simple technological evolution: it has the potential to represent a strategic transformation of the telecommunications sector. As a future global provider of space-based internet services, this European company would offer telecom operators worldwide an attractive alternative: a very low Earth orbit (VLEO) constellation leveraging its own 5G mmWave spectrum to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity, even in remote, rural, or crisis-affected areas.

Experts will use ground-based equipment to simulate the propagation of 5G radio waves and the time elapsed between an equipped satellite in orbit and the connection of a 5G mobile phone to the 5G radio access network at different locations on the Earth’s surface.

This shared infrastructure model provides competitively priced coverage, complementary to existing fiber or cellular networks, without requiring massive investments. It opens a new chapter in telecommunications: a controlled convergence of space and terrestrial networks, combining industrial ambition and digital inclusion.

Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of CTO, said: « This alliance with ASE reflects a shared ambition: to build competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, thanks to bold technology designed and developed in Europe. We are proving that it is possible to be globally competitive without compromise, giving telecom operators back control of their future in space. Space is the new frontier for telecommunications! »

Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ASE, added: « This agreement is part of ASE’s strategy to support the growth of innovative European players and jointly build resilient connectivity. The upcoming tests with CTO will pave the way for new hybrid use cases at the intersection of terrestrial and space networks. »

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving towards connected and autonomous vehicles, which require a constant and reliable internet connection. Our technology ensures seamless connectivity, improving vehicle safety, performance, and user experience, paving the way for the future of intelligent transportation.

Rail systems require reliable connectivity to ensure operational efficiency, passenger service, and safety.

Constellation enables telecommunications operators to provide comprehensive internet coverage across rail networks and seamless data transfer, transforming rail transportation into a connected, efficient, and secure mode of transport.

Maritime operations, including commercial shipping, fishing, and recreational boating, require high-performance internet connectivity for navigation, communication, recreation, and operational efficiency. Constellation offers mobility operators a reliable solution to extend high-speed internet to vessels at sea.
Mobility operators can help their maritime customers improve their navigation, communications, and operational outcomes.

In-flight connectivity is becoming a standard expectation for passengers and a necessity for modern aviation operations. Technology enables mobility operators to enhance the passenger experience and support advanced aviation applications.
Enables mobility operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet services to aircraft. In-flight entertainment, real-time communications, and data services enable airlines to offer superior connectivity and improve operational efficiency.

ESA has 23 member states: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia are associate members.

ESA has established formal cooperation with four EU member states. Canada participates in certain ESA programs through a cooperation agreement.

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