Almost six months after securing €9.3 million in funding, Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) is delivering on its mission, developing a constellation of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites to allow telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency Internet access from space. CTO has unveiled its first regenerative operational payload, the ‘Early Test’.
Tested on the ground under simulated space environmental conditions, the Early Test payload has been integrated into D-Orbit’s ION satellite platform which will enable it to operate it in orbit. It is scheduled to be launched into space in June 2025 – marking the first use of the 5G millimetre wave (5G mmWave) spectrum for Internet data transmission via satellite.
Developed and manufactured in France, CTO’s payload is a breakthrough innovation in high-speed space telecommunications. For the first time, telecom operators’ 5G mmWave spectrum is being leveraged for satellite-based ultra-fast, low-latency Internet transmission.
The Early Test was designed to integrate and validate CTO’s hardware and software technologies for connectivity. After it was assembled it underwent comprehensive testing to confirm its functionality on the ground before being integrated into the satellite platform that will support its operation once it has been launched.
“Our regenerative 5G mmWave payload is a world first that confirms CTO’s ability to accelerate the convergence between terrestrial and space connectivity. It is a fundamental brick to continue developing the next generation space infrastructure for telecoms operators that they can operate as they do today with terrestrial networks,” commented Charles Delfieux, CEO of CTO.
This technology opens new opportunities for telecom operators by allowing them to extend their coverage beyond terrestrial infrastructure.
CTO is offering an alternative to large-scale constellations launched by new entrants, enabling telecom operators to manage a shared space-based telecommunications network, just as they do wth terrestrial networks.
Following its funding round, CTO has expanded its workforce, particularly in leadership roles. To support its growth, the company relies on a team of 30+ experts.
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