Satellite-to-cell graphic. Photo illustration: Via Satellite

MDA Space will lead a new United Kingdom satellite mission called “SkyPhi,” focused on 5G direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications. 

The mission is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and was announced on Wednesday during the UK Space Conference. UKSA is funding the project with 4.5 million pounds ($6 million). 

The announcement was light on details, but MDA Space said the mission will enable “regenerative 5G D2D satellite communications from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).” Its U.K. subsidiary MDA Space UK will lead two phases of the mission, working with CGI and Open Cosmos. 

“By starting the development of an end-to-end 5G direct-to-device satellite communications system with a LEO satellite and U.K.-based ground infrastructure, the project is placing the U.K. as a leader in new satellite technologies,” commented Dr. Craig Brown, director of Investment at the UK Space Agency. “

MDA Space recently reported a digital beam-forming milestone with its technology for the Aurora satellite platform, a milestone the company said has implications for satellite communications and 5G networks.