Technological Nonconformists
We don’t just apply technology; we help define it. We actively participate in 3GPP, the organization responsible for establishing global standards for mobile telecommunications, including 5G and the future 6G.
Our leadership in 3GPP
Our role in Release 17
We were the space sector actor with the most unanimously accepted contributions in Release 17, finalized in the third quarter of 2022. This version marked a milestone by incorporating Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into the 5G ecosystem, enabling satellite connectivity for both massive IoT (NB-IoT and eMTC) and broadband (NR).
Continuing to lead with Release 19
Sateliot has actively contributed to the new 3GPP standard with key improvements for low-density constellations. Among them is our Store & Forward technology, which allows satellites to store data when there is no direct connection to the ground and retransmit it later—ideal for IoT devices that only need to send data a few times a day. We have also driven the adoption of the regenerative payload, which processes the signal directly onboard the satellite, optimizing efficiency without relying on an immediate link with ground stations.
From 5G New Radio to 6G
The path to 6G
6G will mark the next generation of mobile networks from 2030, with a seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), where satellites will guarantee global, continuous, and resilient connectivity. Artificial intelligence will play an essential role in optimizing resources, anticipating failures, and adapting in real-time.
5G New Radio (NR)
Meanwhile, the evolution towards 5G New Radio (NR) expands the capabilities of NB-IoT with higher speed, lower latency, and better energy efficiency. This opens the door to new, more complex use cases, such as sending voice, video, or advanced data, and positions satellite connectivity as a key piece for dynamic and interactive applications beyond static sensors.
Driving the future through strategic R&D
We actively collaborate on strategic research and development projects funded by the European Union, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space.
QUANGO
QUANGO aims to develop a shared LEO CubeSat constellation for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and 5G IoT services, enabling secure data exchange resilient to quantum threats while integrating advanced satellite communications to establish a new paradigm in global, secure connectivity.
ETHER
ETHER is developing a unified 3D terrestrial, aerial and space network for future 6G connectivity. It combines AI-enabled management, integrated RAN innovation, flexible payloads, edge computing and efficient resource orchestration to deliver wider coverage, seamless service continuity, higher energy efficiency and more sustainable non-terrestrial network integration.
QUDICE
QUDICE is a Horizon Europe Research & Innovation Action aimed at maturing key space-based quantum communication subsystems (including QKD and supporting building blocks such as QRNG and PAT) up to space-qualifiable validation (TRL5–6), enabling the next generation of secure satellite communications and contributing towards future European QKD networks (e.g., EuroQCI).
AGRARIAN
AGRARIAN is a project addressing key challenges in smart agriculture. It leverages a Space-Air-Ground infrastructure to build a dynamic distributed ecosystem, enabling services across edge, satellite, and cloud infrastructure. By integrating AI/ML, 5G/IoT connectivity, and an Agricultural Decision Support System it enhances operational efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness across the agricultural sector.
VITAS Project
VITAS aims to design and validate an integrated ecosystem for autonomous UAS operations, enabling safe, efficient, and scalable aerial logistics through the combination of intelligent drones, automated vertiport management, and satellite-based NTN NB-IoT communications for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
PLESGINT
PLESGINT is a Spanish initiative developing space-based technologies for emergency response. For example, in an oil spill scenario, it deploys coordinated High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) with onboard AI to detect incidents via image processing and transmit inference results through 5G NTN infrastructure, reducing response time and supporting decision-making across emergency scenarios.
FreeGNSS Network
FreeGNSSNetwork develops a GNSS-independent positioning and timing service for IoT in 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks, using Sateliot’s LEO satellites with regenerative 5G payloads. By broadcasting orbital and timing data through 3GPP signals and applying differential Doppler techniques at device level, the system supports resilient, low-power PNT services beyond traditional GNSS.
ACES
The ACES aims to develop and validate the post quantum solution for securing the 5G/6G satellite networks. It integrates Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and lightweight encryption to protect end-to-end communication, roaming, and satellite-to ground communication links. A vulnerability monitoring tool for satellites and IoT devices is also included.
BEAM5
The Blockchain enabled anomaly detection end-to end solution for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks project aims to develop a system capable of identifying issues, threats, and cyber-attacks in 5G satellites using AI/ML models. It captures real-time RF, 5G protocol, and telemetry data directly from Sateliot’s satellite’s SDR using Keysight’s proprietary FPGA code. To guarantee trust and traceability, all data and calibration certificates are secured on an immutable blockchain ledger.
DMIoT
DMIoT aims to develop a dual-mode TN-NTN IoT communication module by integrating terrestrial cellular technologies (LTE-M / NB-IoT) with 3GPP Release-17 Non-Terrestrial Networks, advancing early-stage research (TRL 3-4) through experimental validation, laboratory testing, and coordinated contributions from industry partners to enable seamless terrestrial–satellite connectivity.