Space-based 5G connectivity is no longer just a theory but could begin deployment as soon as 2025, according to a new study mapping out a blueprint for SATCOM infrastructure from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The study, conducted by Airbus Defence and Space, Eurescom, Fraunhofer Fokus and IIS and the University of Bundeswher Munich, found that the infrastructure would be financially sustainable while remaining affordable for users — something in the range of €6 for basic connectivity up to €60 for premium services.
This would make it applicable to not just consumers but businesses as well, the ESA said.
How it works
Traditional satellite internet works by using communication satellites in Earth’s orbit to provide internet access to users on the ground.
Space-based 5G connectivity, on the other hand, integrates with ground-based 5G networks, which allow users to stay connected whether in cities or crossing remote oceans. The ESA said this could have far-reaching implications for emerging applications such as:
- Emergency services operating during natural disasters
- Autonomous vehicles maintaining constant connectivity
- Remote communities receiving high-speed internet
In all, the survey identified 77 different use cases across transportation, business services and public services sectors that could benefit from space-based 5G connectivity including real-time navigation updates to autonomous vehicles.
Further development
While deployment could begin as early as next year, there remains further development of the technologies needed to reach commercialization such as:
- More energy-efficient satellite payloads
- Advanced antenna systems
- 6G and sustainable connectivity programs
The next steps
The ESA said it will work to accelerate technological development for commercialization of space-enabled 5G connectivity as well as foster cooperation between industry space players and telecoms.
The study suggested that joint ventures between mobile network operations, telecoms and satellite operators would be the most effective way to accelerate the market.
The timeline for deployment would include narrowband applications implemented as early as 2025 followed by wideband services in 2029 and full broadband capabilities after 2032.
“5G-IS holistically addressed the design of 5G and even 6G space-based infrastructure,” said Maria Guta, senior 5G/6G SATCOM solutions architect at ESA. “The study followed a co-creation and co-design approach involving representatives of vertical sectors to identify, categorize and prioritize use cases better served by 5G space-based infrastructure under technical and market fit criteria. The activity provided a first-in-kind contribution to the non-terrestrial network sector detailing technology roadmap and associated services exploitation models.”
