SKY Perfect JSAT Launches “Universal NTN Innovation Lab” Environment at Yokohama Satellite Control Center to Advance “Universal NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network)”

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director,  President and CEO: Eiichi Yonekura; “SKY Perfect JSAT”) has launched the “Universal NTN Innovation Lab” (“NTN Lab”), an environment equipped for technical testing of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)*1 within its Yokohama Satellite Control Center (YSCC) as of November 1st, 2024. The NTN Lab will serve as a testing hub for the realization of the “Universal NTN”, a pioneering concept aiming to deliver robust and reliable connectivity anywhere, anytime leveraging GEO*2, Non-GEO*3 satellites, and HAPS*4 with technology that enables automatic routing to the optimal communication path. The NTN Lab’s initiatives will focus on 5G NTN*5 technologies and support the development of new communication technologies utilizing satellite communications.

Purpose and Vision of the NTN Lab

The 5G NTN technology is designed to integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, enhancing connectivity infrastructure globally and across diverse environments. The NTN Lab is equipped with the first testbed environment for SKY Perfect JSAT to conduct technical testing aligned with 3GPP’s*7 5G NTN standards. Leveraging our geostationary satellites and the infrastructure of YSCC, the NTN Lab will provide a foundation for the commercial deployment of NTN technology.

The NTN Lab will expand in phases. Initially, it will focus on verifying the core technologies of 5G NTN, utilizing SKY Perfect JSAT’s satellites and facilities, with support from partner companies. By the second half of fiscal year 2025, SKY Perfect JSAT plans to open the NTN Lab to various companies and organizations, enabling collaborative trials and technical development for future use cases and applications.

State-of-the-Art Testbed Environment

The NTN Lab is equipped with high-performance simulators for 5G NTN-compatible user equipment (UE)*8 and base stations (gNB)*9, including the “TM500” by Viavi Solutions in the United States and the “CMX500” by Rohde & Schwarz in Germany. This equipment enables extensive technology validation with a focus on commercial deployment, supporting a wide range of testing scenarios.

Initial Testing and Future Prospects

The initial phase of the NTN Lab includes technical testing using the Ku-band and 5G NTN technology, as defined in 3GPP Release 19*10. These testing aim to establish a high reliability communication environment over satellite and ensure seamless connectivity between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

SKY Perfect JSAT will utilize the NTN Lab as a hub to support the communication infrastructure of the future, driving technological innovation while collaborating with companies and research institutions. Through these efforts, we are committed to advance the commercialization of NTN technology and the creation of new business opportunities.