VTT and the leading European space organisation ESA have made an agreement on strategic partnership with an aim to develop 5G communications networks for the needs of the space industry. The three-year agreement will further deepen the long-term cooperation between VTT and ESA. The collaboration between VTT and ESA supports the Finnish Space Strategy.
The strategic partnership between VTT and ESA provides excellent support for the objectives of the Finnish Space Strategy and responses to its priorities. Furthermore, the agreement shows that ESA has confidence in VTT's ability to develop cutting-edge technology for the space sector. ESA strives to collaborate with the kind of actors with competences that may have major impacts for the whole of Europe.
"Integrating satellite into 5G is vital both for the growth of the commercial space industry and for making 5G truly ubiquitous. Our intent is to encourage European space and non-space industry to make use of the live trial platforms that VTT have developed, which are necessary to enable and demonstrate satellite/5G integration," says Senior Telecommunication Systems Engineer Maria Guta from ESA.
Aiming at integration of terrestrial and satellite networks
VTT and ESA are currently examining what would be the requirements and the necessary technologies for the integration of 5G satellite networks and terrestrial networks, and the common use of 5G pioneer bands. VTT and ESA intend to implement several projects within the sector under the Letter of Intent over the next three years.
"The key aspect of the projects is the use of VTT's extensive test networks. This is one of the most important means in the development of communications systems," explains Team Leader Marko Höyhtyä from VTT.
"We will also leverage VTT's strong expertise in simulations and emulations during the projects."
The functioning of many everyday services is based on satellites
The integration of satellite and terrestrial networks would benefit the whole society, since many everyday services are based on data produced by satellites. The systems being developed can be used anywhere communications systems are needed.
"Satellite connectivity is needed particularly in areas where it would not be economically feasible to build terrestrial networks, such as sparsely populated or distant areas, such as the sea, air traffic or frontier areas, lists Höyhtyä.
"Autonomous and remotely controlled ships operating far away from the shore are a natural example of a target where the integration of 5G satellite networks and terrestrial networks is needed in the future." This area of application has also been selected as one of the key development targets in the collaboration between VTT and ESA.
In addition to communications applications, VTT is also actively developing remote sensing technologies, such as the world's first miniature infrared hyperspectral imager for the Reaktor Hello World satellite.
The importance of satellite industry increasing
VTT has selected the satellite industry as one of its strategic focus areas and aims to increase relevant operations in collaboration with the Finnish industry. VTT is also actively recruiting employees for promoting the 5G satellite integration.
According to the Working Group on Space Business Opportunities in Finland set up by the Finnish Government, space operations offer new business and growth opportunities for Finnish companies. The goal of the Finnish Space Strategy is to place Finland among the global leaders in space operations within the chosen sectors. The following have been identified as spearhead actions: satellite positioning that supports intelligent transport, and raising the level of scientific research within the sector through ESA programmes and international networking. Business Finland's New Space Economy programme provides funding for the development of products and services in the space sector with an aim to put Finland on the world map as an expert in space technology.
More information on the matter available in the 5G SatCom publication. -
https://cris.vtt.fi/en/publications/3gpp-nonterrestrial-networks-a-concise-review-and-look-ahead
