Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) has signed a memorandum of intent with the European Space Agency (ESA) to conduct joint experiments in low Earth orbit (LEO). Testing will include evaluation of millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications for 5G wireless networks onboard a LEO satellite (LEOS) scheduled for launch in June 2025.
The agreement is meant to strengthen Europe’s position in satellite-based 5G wireless connectivity. 5G’s FR2 frequency range at mmWave frequencies will be leveraged for high-speed, low-latency communications between satellite and terrestrial stations.
ESA has been a staunch supporter of the development of the Third Generation Partnership Program's (3GPP's) non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and will team with CTO to jointly conduct in-orbit testing of 5G NTNs at mmWave frequencies. The efforts are aimed at laying the groundwork for a sustainable European hybrid space/terrestrial communications connectivity ecosystem.
CTO is planning to supply global internet services from space by means of a very-low-Earth-orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation using 5G mmWave spectrum. By working together, ESA and CTO are seeking competitively priced coverage that complements cellular or fiber-optic communications networks.
The CEO and founder of CTO, Charles Delfieux (see image above, left), explained the teamwork, “This alliance with ESA reflects a shared ambition: to build a competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, powered by bold technology designed and developed in Europe. We’re proving that it’s possible to compete on a global scale without compromise—giving telecom operators back control over their future in space. Space is the new frontier for telecoms.”
Laurent Jaffart, director of connectivity and secure communications at ESA, added, “This agreement aligns with ESA’s strategy to support the rise 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.”