Jan 30 2019
VTT and ESA—the renowned European space organization—have signed a contract on strategic collaboration with the goal to develop 5G communications networks that meet the requirements of the space sector.
Image credit: VTT
The contract is for three years and will further reinforce the long-term collaboration between ESA and VTT. The new partnership also supports the Finnish Space Strategy.
The strategic collaboration between ESA and VTT offers a great deal of support for the goals of the Finnish Space Strategy and reactions to its priorities. In addition, the contract demonstrates ESA’s trust in VTT’s ability to create next-generation technology for the space industry. ESA endeavors to team up with the kind of actors who are competent enough to make significant impacts on entire 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.
Maria Guta, Senior Telecommunication Systems Engineer, ESA
Aiming at the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks
At present, both ESA and VTT are exploring what would be the needs and the essential technologies required to integrate terrestrial networks and 5G satellite networks, and the usual application of 5G pioneer bands. Over the next three years, ESA and VTT plan to implement a number of projects within the industry under the Letter of Intent.
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. We will also leverage VTT's strong expertise in simulations and emulations during the projects.
Marko Höyhtyä, Team Leader, VTT
The functioning of many everyday services is based on satellites
The entire society would benefit from the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, because even several day-to-day services are based on the data generated by satellites. The systems that are being designed can be applied anywhere, for instance, where positioning services or communications systems are required.
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, including the sea, air traffic or frontier areas. 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.
Marko Höyhtyä, Team Leader, VTT
This application area has also been chosen as one among the major development targets in the strategic partnership between ESA and VTT.
VTT is also actively creating remote sensing technologies, apart from communications applications. These technologies include the first-ever miniature infrared hyperspectral imager designed for the Reaktor Hello World satellite.
The importance of satellite industry increasing
VTT has chosen the satellite sector as one of its strategic area of focus and is planning to boost pertinent operations in partnership with the Finnish s. In addition, the company is actively recruiting staff to promote the integration of 5G satellite networks.
The Finnish Government has set up the Working Group on Space Business Opportunities in Finland. According to this group, space operations provide new growth and business pportunities for Finnish firms. The Finnish Space Strategy aims to place Finland among the worldwide leaders in space operations within the selected sectors. For instance, the following have been recognized as forefront actions—satellite positioning supporting intelligent transport, and boosting the level of scientific studies within the sector through, for example, international networking and ESA programs.
On the other hand, New Space Economy program of Business Finland is offering funding for the adjacent of services and products in the space industry with the goal to place Finland as an expert in space technology on the global map.