5G Networks Could Revolutionize How Satellites Beam Data to Earth
The Idea Is Simple to Explain—but Hard to Execute
Right now, a satellite in low Earth orbit can only download data for about 40 minutes a day, relying on dedicated ground stations with limited contact windows. But with 5G networks, that time could stretch to several hours daily.
"The concept we're trying to demonstrate is that we can replace traditional ground stations—used for satellite data downloads—with existing 5G cellular infrastructure," explains João Paulo Monteiro, a researcher at IST NanoSat Lab.
The project brings together Altice Labs, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), the European Space Agency (ESA), the University of Luxembourg, and has support from MEO.
Altice Labs is developing the communications terminal—entirely software-based—while IST is building the satellite platform. Three ground antennas in Portugal—in Aveiro, Tagus Park, and the Azores—will track the satellite as it passes at an altitude of around 500 kilometers.
The principle is similar to a phone on a highway: as the satellite moves, it "hops" from one antenna to the next. "Just three antennas are enough to cover the entire national territory," emphasizes Nuno Monteiro of Altice Labs.
"Democratizing Access to Space Communications"
"The advantage is clear: it democratizes access to space communications," the engineer adds. Since the terminal is software-defined, it can be updated remotely—even reconfigured from 5G to 6G while in orbit, eliminating the need to launch a new satellite.
IST isn't starting from scratch. In 2024, it launched IST-SAT-1, the first university-built satellite entirely developed in Portugal, which remains operational in orbit. The experience gained—with around 100 students involved over the years—now serves as the foundation for this more ambitious project.
Applications range from near real-time Earth observation to defense, with secure tactical communications that don't rely on third-party components.
"We can ensure complete data security for tactical communications or even for obtaining imagery for military operations," assures Nuno Monteiro.
ANACOM, Portugal's communications regulator, granted a special license for the experiment, as current regulations don't yet cover this type of communication. It's precisely this regulatory frontier that also interests ESA, which is funding the project.
The launch is scheduled for 2027. If successful, Portugal will have proven that connecting a satellite to a 5G network is possible—and pave the way for two European commercial products: a space terminal and a ground tower adapted for non-terrestrial networks. Full report here on Futuro Hoje.
