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SatixFy Technology Enables
First 5G link through a LEO constellation
July 05, 2022
SatixFy Communications
Ltd. announced its critical role in enabling the
first ever demonstration of a high-speed,
low-latency link with a LEO satellite constellation
incorporating 5G (video available here). SatixFy has
partnered with OneWeb under the ESA Sunrise
Partnership Project, with support from the UK Space
Agency, to develop a compact electronically steered
multi-beam array suitable for mobility services over
both LEO and GEO satellites simultaneously. The
terminal can also be integrated into 5G equipment to
allow end-to-end access to a LEO constellation
network via a 5G signal.
On June 28, 2022, a
demonstration at the ESA/ECSAT facilities in Harwell
achieved the world’s first ever 5G backhaul
communications connected to a LEO satellite
constellation, using a compact electronic antenna
powered by SatixFy to connect to a LEO satellite
constellation operated by OneWeb. The demonstration
involved a super compact satellite terminal mounted
on a car. The user terminal antenna performed
several satellite and beam handovers, along with
frequency hopping over the OneWeb LEO network at
1,200 km, while maintaining a simultaneous and
continuous link with a GEO satellite at an altitude
of 36,000 Km. Live 4K UHDTV video and audio
streaming took place from the GEO satellite.
The new super compact
user terminal will undergo further testing to unlock
its full capabilities with LEO and GEO links for
mobility services. Once testing and certification is
completed, the user terminal will be optimized for
different mobility use cases, including IFC, with a
goal of providing an effective system for OneWeb
commercial services for any moving platform on land,
sea and air.
Simona Gat, SatixFy UK
CEO said, “I’m proud of this important milestone
achieved by the whole SatixFy team, who cooperated
together with our partners from OneWeb and CGI, with
great support from the UK Space Agency and ESA. This
test further validates our products addressing two
of our major target markets: electronically-steered
multibeam user terminals for mobility and the use of
our terminals to address the large space-enabled 5G
market. It has been a pleasure to work with OneWeb
to demonstrate this unique capability.”
Massimiliano Ladovaz, CTO
at OneWeb said, “At OneWeb, our approach to
delivering connectivity is through collaboration
with world-class industry partners who share our
vision of a truly connected world. We’re therefore
delighted to partner with SatixFy on this UK and
European Space Agency funded research program. We
are working together to connect those hardest to
reach with new Space-based LEO connectivity. The
ground-breaking SatixFy electronically steered array
antenna technology will, once in commercial
production, enable mobility customers such as
airlines, train operators, and coach companies to
leverage the power not only of the OneWeb LEO
network, but also terrestrial 5G and legacy GEO
satellite networks. A hybrid, multi-beam, multi
constellation solution that ensures that passengers
remain connected no matter where they are – be it
mid-air, mid-ocean or in the most remote corners of
the world.”
Elodie Viau, ESA Telecom
Director said, “This test is the first of its kind,
and is a real team collaboration by ESA, OneWeb, and
SatixFy UK. It connected the ESA 5G/6G Hub at the
ESA/ECSAT Harwell site through OneWeb satellites,
using the super flat and advanced antenna made by
SatixFy UK for mobility services. Through the
Sunrise Partnership Project we aim to show that 5G
high quality and speed connectivity is now a
reality, to the benefit of everybody, everyday and
everywhere.”
Dr. Paul Brate, Chief
Executive of the UK Space Agency, said “This is a
world first which demonstrates the vital role that
space can play in improving connectivity. SatixFy’s
antenna technology, developed with UK Space Agency
support, is advancing satellite communications,
enabling new markets in collaboration with companies
like OneWeb. The results of this trial will help
transform how satellite and terrestrial networks
interact, accelerating the development of
technologies such as connected vehicles and
autonomous cars. It is a great example of why we’re
supporting ESA’s state-of-the-art 5G/6G hub in
Harwell, which will create new commercial
opportunities and catalyze investment into the UK’s
thriving space sector.”
On March 8, 2022, SatixFy
announced that it had entered into a definitive
business combination agreement with Endurance
Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: EDNC), a publicly-traded
special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed by
an affiliate of Antarctica Capital, an international
private equity firm. Upon closing of the
transaction, SatixFy’s shares are expected to trade
on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol
“SATX.”
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