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2mo ago

Catalonia Assembles Europe’s First 6G Orbital Lab Ahead of October Launch

Operational ground stations in Móra la Nova will support tests of hybrid terrestrial–space networks to improve rural connectivity.

El conseller Albert Dalmau, el consejero delegado de Open Cosmos, Rafael Jordá, y el director de i2CAT, Sergi Figuerola, frente al satélite
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Overview

  • The satellite was assembled in Barcelona in nine months under a €1.65 million i2CAT contract awarded to Open Cosmos.
  • The ground segment in Móra la Nova is equipped with Ka-band broadband and optical laser-link stations to control experiments and transmit data.
  • SpaceX will launch 6GStarLab from Vandenberg in mid-October, with on-orbit operations slated for early 2026.
  • On-orbit experiments will validate hybrid terrestrial–space 6G technologies to extend connectivity to remote and isolated regions.
  • Backed by Spain’s NextGeneration program, the project aligns with ESA’s open-lab roadmap and aims to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.