About 6GStarLab
6GStarLab is Europe’s pioneering open laboratory in space for the next generation of communications. By deploying a flexible CubeSat platform equipped with multi-band RF and optical communications payloads, the mission will empower researchers and industry to validate non-terrestrial network technologies and accelerate the path toward 6G connectivity. Open Cosmos was responsible for the satellite development, design, manufacturing, integration and orbital operations. i2Cat was responsible for the definition of mission requirements and payload development.
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"6GStarLab is a milestone for Europe’s digital ecosystem. By establishing an open, collaborative testbed for 6G and non-terrestrial networks, it will help researchers and innovators bridge the gap between lab research and real-space validation. With Open Cosmos’s expertise, speed and the maturity of its satellite platforms, we were able to make this a reality.”
— Sergi Figuerola, PhD, Director of i2CAT
Key Features
- Key technologies: Programmable Software Defined Radio for 6G NTN communications
- RF: UHF, S, X and Ka bands, Laser-based space-to-ground optical communications
- Size: 6U (420 x 270 x 133 mm) - nearly a meter long if panels deployed
- Mass: 11.1 kg
- Applications: Non-Terrestrial-Networks communications
- Payload: Laser communications terminal in ~1500 nm, 2x SDR payloads capable of Tx/Rx in UHF, LORA, L-band, S-band, X-band, Ka-band, Ku-Band
Technology & Partners
The mission involves key partners contributing specialized payloads and systems:
- i2CAT and Microwave Sensors and Electronics (MWSE): Designed core payloads.
- Transcelestial: Developed the laser terminal for space-to-ground optical communications and its corresponding ground station.
- NanoSatLab group at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC): Developed the antenna system for radio-frequency communications.
- The 6GStarLab mission is part of Spain’s UNICO I+D 6G programme and is backed by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative.
