08 . 07 . 2026
Over the past three years, TRANTOR has studied the feasibility of adopting these technologies for satellite communications, developing a compatible multi-orbit architecture, and creating new user terminals and base stations compatible with 5G satellite networks.
MADRID, July 8, 2026. The European TRANTOR project (5G+ evoluTion to mutioRbitAl multibaNd neTwORks), funded by Horizon Europe, has completed the work it began three years ago to drive the evolution of 5G Advanced and pre-6G satellite networks.
The consortium, led by the Telecommunications Technology Center of Catalonia (CTTC) and comprising the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, HispaSat, Indra, Inster-Grupo Oesía, Quadsat, Software Radio Systems, Starion, and the University of Luxembourg, has accomplished, among other aspects, the feasibility study of adopting these technological standards for satellite communications, the development of compatible multi-orbit, multi-band and multi-satellite architecture, and the creation of new user terminals and base stations compatible with 5G satellite networks. It has also designed and validated AI modules for network resource management, created a mission planner for the design of future satellite networks, and made progress in developing advanced security mechanisms for satellite operators.
First 5G Broadband Transmission in Europe
Among other milestones, TRANTOR carried out the first 5G NR-NTN broadband transmission in Europe, using Hispasat 30W-6. This validation enables manufacturers in both the telecommunications and satellite sectors to begin developing and manufacturing terminals and base stations based on the 5G NTN standard.
This will enable a gradual technological transition from the DVB standard—which has been used since the 1990s for satellite video transmissions—to 5G NTN. This shift will allow the satellite sector to expand into new markets, such as direct connectivity to smartphones and automobiles, as well as new services traditionally targeted at the telecom sector.
CTTC is a non-profit research institution established through a public initiative of the Regional Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya). Its research activities—both fundamental and applied—are organized into four research divisions: Communication Networks, Communication Systems, Communication Technologies, and Geomatics.
The National Research Council (CNR) is Italy’s largest public research organization and conducts interdisciplinary research in various fields, including engineering, computer science, telecommunications, and technology.
As the largest Fraunhofer Institute, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, headquartered in Erlangen, is a global leader in applied research, driving innovation for transformative products and services that shape the digital future. Across seven research divisions, the institute develops pioneering solutions that advance technological progress, enhance economic competitiveness, and promote a sustainable society. Its strong performance is built on four core areas of expertise: artificial intelligence, microelectronics, data acquisition and analysis, and signal processing and data transmission. These competencies are combined strategically to meet the specific needs of its clients.
HispaSat is the leading driver of innovation in the Spanish aerospace sector, with the goal of promoting sustainable development in society by making satellite services and secure communications accessible to the public. It is part of the European consortium that will develop IRIS2, the European constellation for secure connectivity that will transform space into a critical infrastructure for digital sovereignty, communications resilience, and the strategic autonomy of the European Union and its allied countries. HispaSat’s strong presence in Latin America makes it the primary communications bridge between Europe and the Americas. These activities position it as one of the world’s leading companies in its sector in terms of revenue.
Indra is one of the leading global technology and consulting companies and serves as the technological partner for the core business operations of its customers worldwide. It is a world leader in providing proprietary solutions in specific segments of the transportation and defense markets, and a leading firm in digital transformation consulting and information technologies. Its business model is
based on a comprehensive range of proprietary products, with a focus on high value and a strong emphasis on innovation.
The technological core of Inster-Grupo Oesía is radio communications, particularly broadband satellite communications for mobility applications. The company has developed a strong portfolio of products and solutions in the fields of fixed and mobile wireless communications for the land, rail, railway, and aeronautical sectors.
Quadsat is advancing SATCOM and defense with UAV-based radio frequency (RF) measurement solutions that test and verify RF equipment regardless of location or time. Applications range from antenna characterization and satellite emulation to waveform modulation and ESM testing. Quadsat is a Danish company founded in 2017 that currently employs experts in radio frequency, robotics, and software. A Quadsat system consists of a highly advanced payload for transmission and reception, which is integrated onto a UAV and connected to a ground control station equipped with automation and measurement software. Quadsat provides systems and training, as well as testing-as-a-service for customers.
Software Radio Systems Limited (SRS), headquartered in Ireland, is a leading innovator in open, high-performance wireless communications software. SRS develops advanced 4G/5G and next-generation RAN solutions used worldwide across commercial, research, and government sectors.
With a strong commitment to open-source innovation - including foundational contributions to the srsRAN Project and OCUDU Project - SRS delivers flexible, standards-compliant, carrier-grade technologies that accelerate the evolution of modern wireless networks.
Starion provides engineering expertise and solutions for space, defence and other critical infrastructures across Europe. Starion’s main contribution to this project was to analyze and conduct a security Threat Risk Assessment (TRA) to detect potential threats to the communication system and security risks, as well as providing solutions for mitigating security risks. To do so, Starion provided an integrated tool, the Security Keeper, which enables a comprehensive solution to address the threat a novel infrastructure can be subject to. It integrates several levels of analysis to ensure complete coverage over all the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the system in order to enable and ensure its resilience.
The University of Luxembourg and its Interdisciplinary Center for Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT) conduct internationally competitive research in information and communication technology that is highly relevant and generates socio-economic impact. In addition to long-term, high-risk research, SnT engages in demand-driven collaborative projects with industry and the public sector.
