ESA tests space-enabled 5G connectivity

The experiment was completed between ESA’s 5G/6G Hub and Darwin Innovation Group’s lab for the development of driverless car technology, both based at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire.

5G is set to transform society but, for this to happen, satellites must be used to fill the gaps that exist in terrestrial coverage and to increase capacity.

This will change the way people live, work and communicate, as well as enabling innovative applications across the economy, including low-emissions driverless vehicles and autonomous drones.

Devised by Darwin lead architect Rodrigo Barreto and Head of ESA’s 5G/6G Strategic Programme Antonio Franchi, the experiment demonstrated how continuous connectivity can be maintained while rapidly shifting between satellite and ground channels.

The video call was completed via a connection between the ESA 5G/6G Hub and the Darwin SatCom Lab networks.

ESA uses networks provided by satellite operators Avanti and Eutelsat, with Darwin using Hispasat’s channels.  

ESA and Darwin switched repeatedly between terrestrial and satellite networks to test the quality of the connection over several different configurations.

Darwin used its ubiquitous communications technology to automatically shift to the channel that was available, with ESA manually switching between networks.

At points, the call passed through two satellite networks before arriving at its destination, traveling some 140 000 km. A high-quality connection was maintained throughout the 5G test.  

Following the success of the demonstration, ESA and Darwin are now planning on experimenting by remotely controlling vehicles over different network configurations.

The experiment forms part of the agency’s drive to accelerate the 5G digital transformation.

ESA’s 5G/6G Hub – based at the agency’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications – supports these efforts by enabling businesses to test and develop innovative applications in a future 5G environment.

The agency has partnered with Darwin on several other activities to promote space-enabled connectivity, including Darwin’s ubiquitous communications technology, the Darwin SatCom Lab, and an autonomous shuttle service deployed at Harwell Campus. 

Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s 5G/6G Strategic Programme, said: “ESA is collaborating with its industrial partners to promote the 5G digital transformation. We are proud to have worked with Darwin to complete an experiment that demonstrates the seamless connectivity delivered by integrated 5G and satellite networks.”