To bolster Europe’s technological independence, satellite IoT operator Sateliot is partnering with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a new project.
Their goal is to develop a satellite IoT network for Europe that can operate entirely without relying on GPS or other global navigation systems. This initiative promises to open new doors for the defence and security sectors and paves the way for the next generation of 6G technology.
The project, FreeGNSSNetwork, is a joint effort with technology firm GMV. It tackles a critical vulnerability for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, which are essential for providing connectivity to the more than half of the planet’s surface that lacks terrestrial network coverage.
Until now, LEO constellations have been dependent on GNSS like the American GPS. This reliance not only drives up the energy use and cost of IoT devices, but also exposes them to signal interference which poses a serious risk in strategic operations.
FreeGNSSNetwork sidesteps this issue by using sophisticated algorithms that allow an IoT device to determine its own position by listening directly to Sateliot’s satellite signals. This approach is designed to ensure a reliable and accurate connection, even in challenging “GNSS-denied” environments or during wartime scenarios.
The system is expected to deliver positioning accuracy of around 10 metres and provide super-precise time synchronisation services down to 50 nanoseconds.
Currently, the technology is being put through its paces in laboratory settings that mimic real-world satellite communication conditions. The next step involves an in-orbit demonstration with prototype satellites and terminals that will beam Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data straight to IoT devices used by Europe on the ground.
Jaume Sanpera, Co-Founder and CEO of Sateliot, commented: “This project positions Spain as a benchmark in satellite innovation and connects the European industry to new IoT and 5G service markets.
“With this research, Europe gains coverage and connectivity where there was none before, and Spain demonstrates its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. It is a dual-use technology – for both civil and defense applications – that enables greater autonomy, resilience, and energy efficiency.”
The satellite project agreement, Sateliot’s first with the ESA, was signed at an event in Madrid celebrating Europe’s space agency’s 50th anniversary. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Spain’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant.
This venture aligns with Sateliot’s wider mission. The company is already deploying the first LEO satellite constellation built on the 5G standard, which allows unmodified commercial NB-IoT devices to connect from space. Earlier this month, Sateliot achieved the world’s first 5G satellite IoT connection.
By removing GPS dependency, Sateliot is also cementing its influence in shaping future communication standards through its active contributions to 6G development within the 3GPP framework.
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