Successful first 5G end-to-end link achieved at ESA 5G hub with OneWeb constellation

Today the European Space Agency, OneWeb UK and SatixFy UK successfully demonstrated a high-speed, low-latency full 5G end-to-end link between the OneWeb Low Earth Orbit Satellite constellation and the 5G/6G Hub at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) at Harwell Campus in the UK.

Under the Sunrise Partnership Project, with support from the UK Space Agency, the demonstration involved a super compact electronic antenna terminal, powered by SatixFy, mounted on a car, to connect to the LEO satellite constellation operated by OneWeb.

Elodie Viau, ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications said:

“This test is the first of its kind, and is a real team collaboration by ESA, OneWeb, and SatixFy. It connected the ESA 5G/6G Hub at ESA/ ECSAT Harwell site through OneWeb satellites, using the super flat and advanced antenna made by SatixFy UK for mobility services. Through the Sunrise Partnership Project we aim to show that 5G high quality and speed connectivity is now a reality, to the benefit of everybody, everyday and everywhere”  

Massimiliano Ladovaz, CTO at OneWeb said:

“At OneWeb, our approach to delivering connectivity is through collaboration with world-class industry partners who share our vision of a truly connected world. We’re therefore delighted to partner with Satixfy and CGI on this UK and European Space Agency funded research program. We are working together to connect those hardest to reach with new Space-based LEO connectivity. The ground-breaking Satixfy electronically steered array antenna technology will, once in commercial production, enable mobility customers such as airlines, train operators, and coach companies to leverage the power not only of the OneWeb LEO network, but also terrestrial 5G and legacy GEO satellite networks. A hybrid, multi-beam, multi constellation solution that ensures that passengers remain connected no matter where they are – be it mid-air, mid-ocean or in the most remote corners of the world.”

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

“This is a world first which demonstrates the vital role that space can play in improving connectivity and the value that companies like OneWeb and Satixfy bring to the UK. The results of this trial will help transform how satellite and terrestrial networks interact, accelerating the development of technologies such as connected vehicles and autonomous cars. It is a great example of why we're supporting ESA's state-of-the-art 5G/6G hub in Harwell, which will create new commercial opportunities and catalyse investment into the UK's thriving space sector.” 

Simona Gat - Satixfy UK CEO said:

 “I’m proud of this important milestone achieved by the whole SatixFy team, who cooperated together with our partners from OneWeb and CGI, with great support from the UK Space Agency and ESA.”

This new super compact user terminal will now undergo further testing to explore its full capabilities, targeting an effective system to provide OneWeb commercial services for any moving platform - on land, sea and air.

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