ALL.SPACE awarded ESA contract to pioneer 5G integration

ALL.SPACE has announced a €3.42 million funding award from European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line, under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES).ARTES supports the development of advanced satcom products and services from within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate. 

The funding will accelerate the development of the integration of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into ALL.SPACE’s state-of-the-art terminals.

As part of this, the project will integrate & host a software-defined 5G NTN modem from NXGSAT BV on ALL.SPACE’s integrated edge-compute module, enabling seamless interoperability between traditional satcoms and 5G NTN networks from a single user device. 

This supports a wider ambition for convergence of SatCom and cellular networks, delivering future-proof connectivity solutions for, government, and commercial customers; strengthening the standardisations effort that is critically needed for SatComs.

The project will be anchored at ESA’s 5G/6G Hub in the UK, reinforcing ESA’s commitment to supporting UK and European space industry innovation.

John-Paul Szczepanik, CTO at ALL.SPACE, said: “This funding marks a unique moment in our evolution and for anyone who needs proliferated, fast & secure communications anywhere on the planet.

“Our terminals are already providing multiple secure, high-speed connections for customers who need reliable connectivity wherever they operate, including in remote or challenging environments and on-the-move.

“This funding allows us to build on that foundation by pairing this with the emerging standards of 5G NTN to really unlock the concept of interoperability for satcom terminals across many networks.

“ESA’s support reflects a shared commitment to advancing European technology and competitiveness, helping ensure that secure, seamless communications remain available and flawlessly effective in the years ahead.

“We’re proving that resilient, flexible connectivity doesn’t have to stop when you leave terrestrial networks behind.”

ESA’s ARTES programme plays a vital role in de-risking emerging technologies and supporting European competitiveness. This investment supports the UK’s ambitions laid out in the National and Space Strategies and will contribute to high-value job creation and export growth.

Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, said: “Through our long-standing ARTES programme, forging partnerships with innovative space companies such as ALL.SPACE will enable us to achieve our shared goal: to develop fast and resilient connectivity for customers across Europe and beyond.

“Such efforts strengthen European autonomy and resilience, while boosting economic growth and competitiveness, further allowing for the creation of jobs and prosperity.”  This funding will advance ALL.SPACE’s transition to a hybrid business model, blending high-performance terminal hardware with subscription-based software services that enhance value, security, and operational independence for users.”