The Catalan Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau, has visited the manufacture of the 6GStarLab satellite, a pioneering project promoted by the i2CAT Research Centre dedicated to research and open innovation in non-terrestrial networks.
The 6GStarLab, a pioneering project led by i2CAT, will focus on the research and development of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and enable the experimental validation of new communication technologies in a real space environment. It is the first satellite of its kind to be promoted across Europe. It will be an open and flexible testbed that will allow the remote deployment and execution of experiments, fostering innovation in an emerging ecosystem that works towards interconnection between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Non-terrestrial networks utilise nodes, such as satellites or high-altitude platforms, to transmit information. They are crucial because they complement terrestrial networks, extending connectivity to remote or isolated regions where traditional infrastructure cannot reach. This integration creates hybrid networks that improve communications performance and provide a seamless user experience. They are fundamental to bridging the digital divide, providing access to essential services on a global scale and making a key contribution to advanced 5G and future 6G.
To make this project a reality, i2CAT has awarded a public contract to Open Cosmos for a value of € 1.65 million. The award covers the design, manufacture, integration, launch and commissioning of the 6GStarLab satellite. The manufacture of the satellite is currently taking place in the Open Cosmos clean room, a controlled environment where rigorous testing is carried out to ensure optimal performance before launch and deployment into orbit. The satellite is scheduled for launch in the last quarter of this year and is expected to be operational for research purposes in early 2026.
