IOD mission for direct 5G broadband access from LEO

Under the European Space Agency's ARTES framework, the project "Demonstration of Direct 5G Broadband Access from LEO to Small Aperture Terminals" aims to integrate 5G New Radio (NR) technology with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, facilitated by the recent completion of the NR standard by 3GPP Release 17. Technical solutions developed by Tyvak International and partners PICOSATS, RAME, and TIM, leverage recent NR 3GPP standards for Non-terrestrial Networks to establish data links between ground devices and space-based assets. The project encompasses two mission concepts: "Direct Access 5G Satcom Reference Mission" (REMI) and "Direct Access Live Demonstration" (LIDE). REMI evaluates the feasibility of providing 5G broadband access to land terminals using small satellite constellations, while LIDE involves designing and testing a 12U spacecraft and small aperture terminals to demonstrate a bidirectional K/Ka band link. Key performance indicators including C/N, latency, and throughput data rates of at least 1 Mbps in uplink and 10 Mbps in downlink are assessed during in-orbit operations. The project is significant for advancing European telecommunication capabilities, with implications for future 3GPP protocols and 6G technology. Scheduled for launch in between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, the 12U CubeSat will undergo Flight Readiness Review in July 2024.