With Constellation Technologies & Operations, it will run experiments in the mmWave band with scheduled launch in June
Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), which intends to provide space-based connectivity services, has signed a memorandum of intent with the European Space Agency (ESA). The two are to conduct joint experiments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that will tests will focus on the so-called Early Test.
This is the first regenerative payload operating in the 5G mmWave band, onboard a satellite scheduled for launch in June 2025. The combination of a regenerative payload developed in France and ESA’s experimental capabilities at ECSAT (Oxfordshire, UK) marks a major step forward in the race for European technological sovereignty.
The press statement said, “This agreement reflects a shared ambition to strengthen Europe’s role in space innovation and competitiveness. At a time when satellite connectivity is largely dominated by American and Chinese giants, CTO champions a bold, ‘Made in Europe’ alternative: a shared, neutral, and independently operated space infrastructure that empowers telecom operators to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet from space, in complement to terrestrial networks.”
European space-based 5G connectivity
At the core of this collaboration is a real-world trial from LEO using a regenerative 5G payload using telecom operators’ 5G FR2 (mmWave) spectrum. This is designed to be CTOs’ technological pathfinder for its future constellation, the test aims to validate the interoperability of space and terrestrial networks, enabling high-speed, low-latency, cost-effective and sustainable hybrid connectivity.
ESA describes itself as “a key supporter of the development of 3GPP-compliant Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)” and sees this initiative as a driver for European innovation and autonomy.
Beyond the campaign of tests, the two will also share expertise, resources and infrastructure to maximize the scientific and operational impact of the trials. They state, “CTO and ESA are laying the groundwork for a, sustainable European hybrid connectivity ecosystem – potentially offering a counterweight to the hegemony of some commercial constellations.”
Space – telecoms’ new frontier
Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of CTO , said in a statement: “This alliance with ESA reflects a shared ambition: to build a competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, powered by bold technology designed and developed in Europe. We’re proving that it’s possible to compete on a global scale without compromise – giving telecom operators back control over their future in space. Space is the new frontier for telecoms.”
“This agreement aligns with ESA’s strategy to support the rise of innovative European players and jointly build resilient connectivity. The upcoming tests with CTO will pave the way for new hybrid use cases at the intersection of terrestrial and space networks,” added Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA.
Picture shows, from left to right, Charles Delfieux (CEO, CTO), Antonio Franchi (Head of 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, ESA) and Patrice Sidot (Head of Commercial Partnerships, CTO) at ESA HQ, Paris, May 2025.
