Lisbon, Oct. 16, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's technological innovation and transformation group, Altice Labs and the European Space Agency (ESA), with the support of telecomms operator, Meo, have launched the second phase of “5G Nanosatellite”, an initiative that takes 5G into space, which will be launched in 2027.
A statement said that this is a "pioneering initiative that promises to transform global connectivity" and that the goal "is to integrate state-of-the-art communication technologies into nanosatellites, creating a bidirectional 5G terminal capable of operating almost permanently in low Earth orbit (LEO)".
The project will test the "feasibility of a 5G terminal based on Software Defined Radio and Open-Source Software, running on an AMD Radio Frequency System on Chip (RFSoC), integrated in a 3U CubeSat, which will orbit at an altitude of around 500 kilometres," Altice Labs explains.
This project "takes advantage of 5G terrestrial infrastructure and the standards defined by 3GPP for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)," according to the company.
"The technology being developed will, for example, allow the satellite to maintain an almost continuous connection with the terrestrial network — which represents a significant advance over current solutions, which rely heavily on ground stations and have limited communication windows," it adds.
According to Altice Labs, "this initiative aims to develop a 5G User Equipment (UE) terminal and specific antennas for nanosatellites, allowing other players in the space industry to use the technology."
At the same time, "a generation of 5G Node B (gNB) is being created, specially adapted for NTN, which will reduce the number of base stations needed to cover most low orbits," it explains.
Altice Labs is working "in collaboration with researchers from IST NanosatLab and the University of Luxembourg/SnT, bringing together national and international expertise in the development of innovative solutions for space communications."
The first phase of the project, "dedicated to defining requirements and feasibility tests, took place over the period from January to October 2024."
Phase two, the technology phase, is currently underway, "focused on hardware development, systems integration and ground testing. gNB stations are being installed in three locations in Portugal, which will ensure the connection with the satellite in orbit."
This phase is expected to be completed by 2026.
"On 8th April this year, the Portuguese Space Agency attended a successful demonstration at the Altice Labs facilities, where a functional prototype of the 5G UE terminal, equipped with a camera, transmitted real-time video to a terrestrial computer connected to the Internet," the statement reads.
Phase 3 and final phase involves the launch of the satellite, which is scheduled for 2027.
"This project puts Portugal at the forefront of the development of technological solutions for the space sector, while strengthening Altice Labs' position as a leading technology company in innovation and a benchmark in Europe."
The integration of mobile networks with satellites opens up opportunities in multiple sectors — from industry and agriculture to civil protection — contributing to a more connected and resilient society, Altice Labs concludes.
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