Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have announced a new collaboration to test a European-designed 5G mmWave telecommunications payload in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The test mission, scheduled for launch in June 2025, will support future hybrid connectivity networks combining satellite and terrestrial systems. Among the expected applications is improved communication infrastructure for autonomous drones operating beyond the reach of conventional networks.
The pilot, named the “Early Test,” will involve the first regenerative 5G payload operating in the 5G FR2 (mmWave) band. Its purpose is to validate interoperability between space-based and ground-based networks, delivering high-speed, low-latency communication. The system is being developed as a pathfinder for CTO’s planned Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation, aimed at supporting telecom operators in extending 5G coverage.
One of the practical benefits of such a space-based system is its potential to enhance autonomous drone operations, especially in remote or rural areas. Reliable and low-latency connectivity is essential for applications such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, real-time sensor data transmission, automated navigation, and coordinated drone swarms. A satellite-supported 5G connection can provide the level of stability and reach required for these functions in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient.
“This project is designed to support telecom operators, but its technical scope enables broader use cases—including autonomous systems such as drones,” said CTO founder and CEO Charles Delfieux. “By enabling 5G-level performance from space, we create new operational possibilities for connected devices in the air and on the ground.”
ESA views the initiative as part of its wider strategy to support Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) compliant with global 3GPP standards. These networks aim to integrate space infrastructure into the global 5G ecosystem, providing a complementary layer to existing ground-based coverage.
“The upcoming tests with CTO contribute to the development of a more resilient and flexible connectivity infrastructure,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “Hybrid systems that combine terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks offer opportunities across sectors, including aviation, logistics, and emergency response.”
In this collaboration, ESA and CTO will share technical expertise and infrastructure to conduct in-orbit trials and further refine mmWave 5G technologies for space. The system’s open-access model allows telecom operators to use their existing spectrum, making it easier to extend their networks without large capital investments.
For industries that rely on mobile robotics and autonomous aerial vehicles, this development offers a new option for maintaining communication in challenging environments. The ability to operate drones over long distances, without relying solely on ground-based towers, is expected to expand the use of autonomous systems in sectors such as inspection, agriculture, and disaster management.
From left to right: Charles Delfieux (CEO, CTO), Antonio Franchi (Head of 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, ESA), Patrice Sidot (Head of Commercial Partnerships, CTO), – ESA HQ, Paris, May 2025.
Credit: © ESA / Constellation Technologies & Operations
