Space42 and Skylo conducted direct-to-device (D2D) testing on the Thuraya-4 satellite, successfully demonstrating both SMS and SOS messaging.
The partners said in a July 9 announcement they expect to roll out commercial D2D messaging later this year, contingent on regulatory approval. Space42 and Skylo previously announced working together in May.
The testing validated two-way SMS and SOS on standard Android devices over Thuraya-4, integrated through Skylo’s 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network (NTN) platform. Space42 and Skyo are also working on further D2D capabilities including location sharing, application and IoT data transmission, and automotive connectivity.
“The successful test with Skylo proves that Thuraya-4 is equipped to provide carrier-grade, resilient messaging directly to devices, extending access to enterprises, governments, mobile operators, and consumers. This achievement further reflects a working model of the ecosystem approach we are building within the NTN industry, to make universal, standards-based connectivity a reality,” commented Space42 Space Services CEO Ali Al Hashemi.
