The European Space Agency (ESA), MediaTek, Eutelsat, Airbus, Sharp, ITRI, and Rohde & Schwarz have successfully conducted the world’s first trial of 5G-Advanced Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology over OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, paving the way for seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial networks.
The trial leveraged MediaTek’s NR NTN chipset, ITRI’s gNB, and Sharp’s flat-panel user terminal, connecting over Airbus-built OneWeb satellites using Ku- and Ka-band links. ESA’s ESTEC gateway in the Netherlands completed the connection to the ground 5G core, validating 3GPP Release 19 features such as conditional handover and advanced spectrum use.
“This milestone proves why collaboration is essential to Europe’s satellite communications growth,” said David Phillips, ESA. Mingxi Fan of MediaTek highlighted that real-world satellite connections bring next-generation NR-NTN connectivity closer to commercial deployment. Eutelsat, Airbus, Sharp, ITRI, and Rohde & Schwarz all emphasized the importance of teamwork in driving innovation and enabling truly global 5G coverage for smartphones, IoT devices, and autonomous systems.
ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme supports the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to expand coverage, reduce costs, and foster global digital transformation. Its hubs in the UK and Netherlands provide collaborative spaces for testing and innovation, with applications ranging from telemedicine to autonomous transport.
With standards now aligned across the mobile industry, compatible satellite constellations can complement terrestrial networks, enabling ubiquitous connectivity and opening new markets worldwide. This trial marks a major step toward making 5G-Advanced satellite broadband a practical reality for consumers and industries alike.
Learn more at connectivity.esa.int/space-5g-6g.
