Photo: ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect is working with Capgemini to develop a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite base station that will enable integration between satellite and terrestrial networks. The companies announced Tuesday they plan to develop a satellite-optimized radio access technology (RAT) within ST Engineering iDirect’s Intuition ground system.

The goal is to provide native 3GPP access to the 5G core network over satellite to allow satellite to interoperate with terrestrial 5G networks and support advanced 5G enabled applications.

It will leverage Capgemini’s gNodeB software stack, which manages links between 5G-enabled endpoints and the 5G core network. The gNodeB stack supports transparent and regenerative satellite functionality, as well as FR1 and FR2 millimeter wave bands, which the companies said are essential for enabling higher-capacity satellite links. 

ST Engineering iDirect CTO Sridhar Kuppanna noted this is part of the company’s “hybrid 5G strategy” to help operators transition to a future of 5G and 6G standards for the satellite industry. 

“By uniting ST Engineering iDirect’s satellite expertise with our 5G software leadership and global engineering reach, we are helping to accelerate the adoption of standards-based NTN solutions. Together, we are building the foundation for truly ubiquitous connectivity that empowers operators and enterprises across the world,” said Nicolas Rousseau, chief digital engineering and manufacturing officer at Capgemini.

Cynthia Harty, senior vice president of corporate strategy for ST Engineering iDirect, recently talked about hybrid roaming as one of the 10 Tech Trends That Will Impact the Space and Satellite Industry in 2026.