Internet research centre i2CAT and space technology firm Open Cosmos have announced plans to develop Europe’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) lab for research into non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

The 6GStarLab will explore new communication technology in space and work on the standardisation of NTN, which is needed to advance 5G and 6G technology.

i2CAT has awarded a €1.65 million public contract to Open Cosmos for the design, manufacture, integration, launch, and deployment of the 6GStarLab satellite.

The lab will enable the study and validation of virtualisation techniques for satellite infrastructure and the evaluation of 6G communication frequencies using multi-frequency devices, and it will incorporate an optical terminal to enhance satellite-to-ground communications.

I2CAT said it plans to strengthen research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and connectivity extension through non-terrestrial networks, as well as publish research results for the scientific community.

The 6GStarLab infrastructure will be available to scientists and technologists interested in exploring and experimenting with future communications, aligning with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) 6G roadmap.

The satellite is set for launch in October this year, with research operations beginning in early 2026.

“6GStarLab represents a significant milestone for European non-terrestrial network research, providing a real space-based infrastructure to validate key 6G technologies,” said Sergi Figuerola, director of i2CAT. “This open lab, funded by NextGenerationEU, will transform satellite communications research and its integration with terrestrial networks.”

---