ESA Achieves 5G Positioning Signals from LEO Satellite

On August 27, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully demonstrated the transmission of 5G positioning signals from its Celeste IOD-2 satellite, which operates in low Earth orbit. This achievement marks a pivotal step in merging satellite navigation with mobile communications and showcases the potential of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). The signals transmitted by the satellite complied with 3GPP standards and were successfully received and recorded on the ground, marking the first in-orbit demonstration of this technology. The Celeste IOD-2 satellite is part of ESA's broader initiative to explore and develop satellite systems capable of providing both connectivity and positioning services. Developed under contract by Thales Alenia Space, the IOD-2 satellite transmitted positioning signals in S-band, a frequency of significant interest for satellite communications. This demonstration highlights the capabilities of the Celeste satellites and sets the stage for future advancements in satellite-based positioning technologies.

During the demonstration, the IOD-2 satellite transmitted two types of positioning signals: 5G New Radio Downlink Positioning Reference Signals (DL-PRS) and Narrowband Positioning Reference Signals (NPRS). The use of standardized signals is crucial as it allows for direct communication between satellites and mobile devices, enhancing interoperability across different service providers. This capability could lead to improved positioning accuracy and seamless coverage for users, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The implications of this demonstration extend beyond technical achievements. The integration of 5G positioning with satellite systems could revolutionize various applications, especially in the fields of Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT). By enabling a single user terminal to support both connectivity and positioning, this approach could enhance efficiency and support new services, significantly impacting industries reliant on accurate positioning data.

In the future, ESA's Celeste program will continue to explore the potential of NTN positioning as part of its in-orbit experimentation campaign. This campaign, which began with the launch of the first two Celeste satellites in March 2026, aims to investigate key technologies necessary for next-generation satellite systems. The successful demonstration of 5G positioning signals marks a significant milestone in this journey, paving the way for innovative solutions in satellite communication and positioning.