Imagine your phone switching from a cell tower to a satellite without you even noticing or losing your call. This project builds a smart antenna and modem that lets devices talk to both ground networks and space satellites at the same time. It's like having a universal adapter for the internet that ensures you stay connected even in the middle of nowhere.
Current satellite terminals are often bulky, expensive, and struggle to switch between ground and space networks without dropping the connection. This creates gaps in connectivity for critical missions and increases hardware costs.
A modular Ka-band terminal featuring a flat-panel antenna and a dual-mode SDR-based modem. The system includes a network architecture that manages seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite signals.
If you are a network operator dealing with fragmented connectivity in remote areas — this project developed a dual-mode modem and antenna that ensures >95% service continuity. This allows for seamless handovers between ground and space networks in less than 100 ms.
If you are a security agency dealing with the risk of signal loss in critical missions — this project developed a secure, GNSS-independent synchronization system. This ensures resilient connectivity for mission-critical applications without relying on external GPS timing.
If you are a hardware manufacturer dealing with high costs of dual-modem setups — this project developed a modular Ka-band terminal that offers >20% cost and integration savings. It replaces bulky equipment with a low-profile electronically steerable flat-panel antenna.
The project targets >20% cost and integration savings by moving away from expensive dual-modem solutions toward a more integrated modular architecture.
The project aims to reach TRL 7 through laboratory testing and an in-orbit demonstration using a nanosatellite, meaning it is a high-level prototype rather than a mass-market product.
Based on available project data, the project contributes to 3GPP/ETSI standardisation, which typically implies a commitment to open industry standards for wider adoption.
The project runs from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2029, with the final validation occurring via an in-orbit demonstration.
It uses 3GPP Rel-17/19 compliant procedures and ATSSS-based multi-connectivity to ensure it works with current and future terrestrial and non-terrestrial network standards.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 75% industry ratio, consisting of 6 industrial partners and 2 research institutes. It includes major operators like Hispasat and Telefónica, and specialized SMEs like Picosats and CELESTE, ensuring the technology is developed with direct commercial application and full value chain coverage from antenna design to orbit validation.
Contact the Centre Tecnologic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) in Spain.
Contact us to connect with the ENTENTE consortium for early adoption of Ka-band NTN terminals.
