Catalonia already has its first 6G satellite in orbit. 6GStarLab, developed by the i2CAT Research Center and manufactured by the Catalan company Open Cosmos, was successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base (California, USA) on board a rocket from the space giant SpaceX. It is the first European satellite in low orbit dedicated to research into 6G technologies, a pioneering infrastructure that will allow experiments in space, improving connectivity in remote areas, and developing new applications related to advanced connectivity. This initiative, with a budget of €2 million, is part of the Catalan space ecosystem and has been co-financed by the Government of Spain through EU NextGeneration funds.
This was announced by representatives of companies and entities of the space industrial ecosystem who participated in the initiative. “It is a project with a broad and ambitious vision and initiatives like this allow us to address issues that are very relevant to citizens’ needs,” said Albert Tourte, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation.
Scientists from the European Space Agency explained that the technological process of placing small devices into orbit combines speed and precision, and is combined in a common transportation model (known as Share the journey (or “space bus”) used by SpaceX and contracted by various countries. The process includes a first phase, lasting about two and a half minutes, of propulsion to escape Earth’s gravity, and a second phase of stabilization in low orbit, where 6GStarLab will remain operational as a demonstration platform.
In order for the whole process to be possible, it is necessary to hire an assembly company, which is responsible for booking tickets for the so-called “space bus” and ensuring the safe boarding of the satellites. In the first stage of launch, rocket engines owned by American magnate Elon Musk must generate enough force to escape Earth’s gravity. Then in the second stage, the rocket separates and its speed is reduced until it reaches the planned orbital platform. Once the flight is complete, it is also necessary to ensure that this “satellite bus” is recovered.
The device orbits at a distance of between 500 and 1,000 kilometers from the Earth, and will be integrated with existing ground technologies to improve connectivity levels throughout the Catalan territory. The goal is to make it easier for researchers to develop advanced digital solutions and, for citizens, to provide rapid communications in crisis situations, such as power outages or fire management.
The project aims to activate the Catalan space ecosystem and deploy an optical station, which the government considers a “turning point.” This infrastructure will also be jointly financed by the Nuclear Transition Funds. “The technology will allow intelligent and secure communication, capable of withstanding critical situations, in crisis environments,” said Xavier Lobau, head of future projects at ESA.
The satellite launch, led by i2CAT and co-funded by the Spanish government, comes at a time when Europe is trying to position itself in the technological race and move towards what it calls “digital sovereignty.” According to Sergi Figuerola, the project seeks to contribute “value, importance and relevance” to the region and is linked to the axes of the 2030 Agenda and building long-term secure connectivity, with the ability to manage new opportunities for the scientific and technological community.