Catalonia to Launch Europe's First 6G Experimental Satellite by Year's End

The Spanish region of Catalonia is planning to launch 6GStarLab, Europe's first on-orbit experimental satellite for 6G communications, by the end of 2025. This research project with small satellites aims to validate technologies essential for future 6G networks.

The project is led by Open Cosmos, a British space venture, and the i2CAT Research Center, a public research institute supported by the Catalan government. The satellite is expected to serve as a testbed for three research areas: "ground-to-space optical communication links," "6G communication protocols such as direct-to-device and broadband," and "autonomous software systems," and is scheduled to be operational in early 2026.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Open Cosmos CEO Rafel Jordà Siquer said, "This effort is a great example of how collaboration between companies, research institutions, and government agencies can accelerate 6G development and bring space technology to the core of advanced and secure communications on Earth.

Materials

• Open Cosmos is Poised to Break the 6G Barrier
• Open Cosmos preparing 6GStarLab satellite for launch
• Catalonia to launch Europe's first 6G satellite lab by year-end