5G satellites for sustainable agriculture and disaster relief
ESA is working on 5G-HOSTS-SAT to demonstrate how 5G satellite and terrestrial communication networks can work together to solve real-world challenges. The project focuses on two critical areas: smart agriculture and emergency response.
At a time when climate change and natural disasters are increasingly affecting communities across Europe, these integrated networks are crucial. Satellite links expand terrestrial network connectivity and provide reliable backup if ground infrastructure is damaged, ensuring critical communications remain available when they're needed most.
Part of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme, the 5G-HOSTS-SAT project is led by Nextworks, an Italian technology company that develops smart control systems for homes and businesses, with support from MBI, Romars, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Italy and the University of Pisa’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Smart agriculture to address climate change-induced droughts
The University of Pisa's Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment is leading trials in vineyards near Lucca, Italy where climate change is putting increasing pressure on water resources. The location was specifically chosen due to the rising frequency and intensity of droughts affecting local farmers, making it an ideal testing ground for water conservation solutions.
Their system uses sensors to monitor three key factors – atmospheric water demand, soil moisture and crop temperature. The data is processed by local smart devices, then first sent through a 5G network, then transmitted via satellite to a control centre. This satellite connection is crucial, as many rural farming areas lack reliable internet coverage, where the deployment of terrestrial systems is not convenient from a commercial perspective.
Based on the processed data, the system automatically controls irrigation valves to deliver precisely the right amount of water exactly when and where it's needed. This smart approach helps farmers adapt to increasingly frequent drought conditions while conserving water.
Portable networks for public protection in times of crises
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Italy is developing portable 5G networks – known as "bubbles" because they create a sphere of local connectivity – that could revolutionise disaster response. These self-contained communication systems address a critical challenge in emergency response: the need for rapid deployment of reliable communication networks in disaster zones where existing infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed.
The bubbles are connected to command centres via satellite links, ensuring that first responders can maintain communication with central coordination even in remote or disaster-struck locations. Within each bubble, teams can share critical information including maps, locations, messages, and multiple simultaneous video streams for better situational awareness. The system ensures that vital emergency communications get priority during crises and can maintain operations even when other communication networks fail – a capability that could prove crucial in saving lives during critical operations.
"Satellites are key to expanding the reach and resilience of 5G networks beyond urban areas. Through 5G-HOSTS-SAT, we're showing how this integration can enable practical solutions with global impact – from helping farmers conserve water to potentially saving lives during disasters. These trials demonstrate the vital role satellite communications will play in future 5G and 6G networks," said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s 5G/6G NTN Programme Office.
