Startup Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) is developing a constellation of very low Earth orbit satellites to enable telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access from space, just as they do today with terrestrial networks.
CTO has unveiled its first regenerative operational payload, the Early Test. Evaluated on the ground under simulated space environmental conditions, the Early Test payload has been integrated into D-Orbit’s ION satellite platform, which will allow it to operate in orbit. It is now scheduled to be launched into space in June 2025, marking the first-ever use of the 5G millimeter wave (5G mmWave) spectrum for high-speed, low-latency internet data transmission via satellite, anywhere on the planet.
The 5G mmWave payload. Source: CTO
The communications payload is engineered to offer 150 megabit per second downlink and 50 megabit per second uplink services. 5G mmWave payload will take advantage of the underutilized 26 GHz radio frequency to provide high-speed data transmission to terrestrial telecom operators.
The company is planning a total constellation of 1,500 to 3,400 satellites by 2030.
