23/12/2024
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In a world first, ESA and Telesat have efficiently linked a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite tv for pc to the bottom utilizing 5G Non-Terrestrial Community (NTN) expertise within the Ka-band frequency vary, marking an important step in the direction of making space-based connections so simple as utilizing a cell phone.
This achievement opens up prospects that had been beforehand out of attain, as low-flying satellites mixed with standardised 5G expertise can now assist companies requiring real-time, interactive connections. The breakthrough might remodel how we deal with emergency response, present rural healthcare, and assist distant industrial operations worldwide.
ESA’s 5G/6G laboratory at its European Area Analysis and Expertise Centre (ESTEC) within the Netherlands efficiently linked to the LEO 3 satellite tv for pc operated by Telesat, a number one world satellite tv for pc operator. The take a look at was made doable by a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this yr between ESA and Telesat, which offered entry to the LEO 3 demonstration satellite tv for pc. The LEO 3 satellite tv for pc serves an vital function for low-latency buyer functions testing, in addition to antenna and modem improvement.
Utilizing Amarisoft‘s 5G expertise, the workforce established and maintained a steady reference to the satellite tv for pc because it moved throughout the sky, from simply above the horizon to its peak elevation of 38 levels and again down once more. Whereas related experiments have been carried out with satellites in geostationary orbits, this marks the primary profitable implementation of 5G NTN expertise with a LEO satellite tv for pc transferring quick with respect to a person on the bottom.
From enabling distant surgical procedure by dependable telehealth companies to supporting autonomous automobiles, the functions opened up through the use of 5G NTN applied sciences are far-reaching. The system additionally affords alternatives to offer connectivity for catastrophe response groups, hold civilians linked in distant areas, and even improve in-flight web companies.
The important thing innovation of this experiment was the usage of open requirements, developed by the Third Era Partnership Challenge (3GPP) – the worldwide organisation that creates telecommunications requirements – relatively than proprietary waveform expertise. Which means that cell gadgets might probably join straight to satellites (a state of affairs often called direct-to-device), probably lowering the associated fee and complexity of terrestrial infrastructures and rising interconnectivity between totally different suppliers. In concept, the expertise permits seamless switching between ground-based networks and satellites, making certain steady protection whether or not you might be in a metropolis centre or on a distant mountainside.
This work varieties a part of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line, which goals to combine mobile networks with space-based networks to attach everybody, all over the place, always.
Antonio Franchi, ESA’s Head of the 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Community (NTN) Programme Workplace, throughout the Area for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme stated: “We’re proud to proceed to drive European technological management and innovation within the area of Non-Terrestrial Networks. Exams reminiscent of this showcase ESA’s function in supporting the event of progressive 5G and 6G techniques that unlock social and financial alternatives for folks and companies. This initiative celebrates the nice collaboration between ESA, Telesat and Amarisoft!”
Alberto Ginesi, ESA’s Head of the Telecom Techniques and Methods Part of the Directorate of Expertise, Engineering, and High quality (TEC) stated: “This world-first experiment demonstrates ESA’s technical excellence in advancing broadband satellite tv for pc entry expertise. Constructing on the 3GPP standardisation teams’ approval, we have confirmed 5G NTN specs over an actual non-geostationary orbit satellite tv for pc hyperlink. Via this achievement, we have proven ESA’s functionality to assist superior satellite tv for pc broadband networks, paving the way in which for upcoming tasks reminiscent of IRIS². I’d prefer to recognise the work Augusto Marziani, Stefano Cioni and Matteo Conti for finishing up this experiment.”
Mario Neri, Telesat’s Director of Spectrum Technique, Innovation and Area Sustainability, stated: “This exercise allowed testing the not too long ago standardised 5G NTN expertise in a real-world state of affairs, utilizing the Ka-band spectrum over our LEO 3 satellite tv for pc – one thing that nobody had ever carried out earlier than. This confirms Telesat’s engagement in always exploring progressive satellite tv for pc applied sciences that may enhance life on Earth.”
Marouan Benabdellah-Chaouni, Senior Vice President at Amarisoft, stated: “Inexpensive expertise is on the coronary heart of Amarisoft’s mission. With 5G over satellite tv for pc, we’re making world connectivity extra accessible. This achievement, in collaboration with ESA and Telesat, highlights Amarisoft’s management in cutting-edge 5G expertise and the facility of progressive partnerships to advance non-terrestrial communication.”
