Altice Labs and the European Space Agency (ESA) have entered the second phase of the pioneering “5G Nanosatellite” project, set to revolutionize global connectivity with a launch planned for 2027. The project aims to integrate next-generation communication technologies into nanosatellites, creating a bidirectional 5G terminal capable of operating almost continuously in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The initiative will test the feasibility of a 5G terminal based on Software Defined Radio and open-source software, running on an AMD RFSoC (Radio Frequency System-on-Chip), integrated into a 3U CubeSat that will orbit at approximately 500 km of altitude. The RFSoC merges high-speed data converters, multicore processing, and FPGA capabilities into a single chip, significantly reducing hardware complexity. The project also leverages terrestrial 5G infrastructure and 3GPP standards for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
This technology will, for example, enable the satellite to maintain near-continuous connectivity with terrestrial networks — a major advancement compared to current solutions that rely heavily on ground stations with limited communication windows.
The initiative’s goal is to develop a 5G User Equipment (UE) terminal and specialized antennas for nanosatellites, allowing other space industry players to use the technology. Additionally, it is creating a new generation of 5G Node B (gNB) specifically designed for NTN, enabling a significant reduction in the number of ground base stations needed to cover most LEO.
Combined with standardized technology featuring handover and roaming capabilities, this approach will ensure almost continuous connectivity during orbit, eliminate the exclusive dependence on ground stations for mission data reception, and lower communication costs. Another highlight is that the 5G UE terminal will follow a global IP-over-5G standard, overcoming the limitations of existing SDR platforms that rely on multiple communication protocols.
To bring this vision to life, Altice Labs is collaborating with researchers from IST NanosatLab and the University of Luxembourg/SnT, pooling national and international expertise to develop cutting-edge space communication solutions.
Project phases
Phase 1: Focused on defining requirements and feasibility testing, Phase 1 ran from January to October 2024. This stage involved rigorous comparative tests and successfully validated the proposed architecture.
Phase 2: Currently underway, the Technology Phase centers on hardware development, system integration, and ground testing. Three gNB stations are being installed in Portugal to provide satellite connectivity. On April 8, 2025, the Portuguese Space Agency observed a successful demonstration at Altice Labs facilities, where a functional prototype of the 5G UE terminal equipped with a camera transmitted real-time video to an internet-connected ground computer. This phase is expected to conclude by 2026.
Phase 3 (Final): The satellite launch is scheduled for 2027, marking the final stage of in-orbit validation. This milestone will not only crown years of research but also usher in a new era of space-based mobile communications based on NTN.
This project positions Portugal at the forefront of technological advancements in the space sector and reinforces Altice Labs’ status as a leading European technology innovator. The integration of mobile networks with satellites opens new opportunities across industries — from manufacturing and agriculture to emergency services – supporting a more connected and resilient society.