Sateliot launches the first European 5G Satellite Development Center in Barcelona

Sateliot, the Catalan telecommunications company pioneering space-based 5G IoT connectivity, has inaugurated Europe’s first 5G Satellite Development Center at its new headquarters in Barcelona. The new facility marks a major milestone in the company’s growth and highlights Catalonia’s strategic role in advancing Europe’s technological sovereignty in the New Space industry.

This facility marks the beginning of Sateliot's industrial phase and strengthens Europe’s position in technological leadership and sovereignty in space-based 5G IoT connectivity. It has also resulted in the creation of more than 50 specialized jobs, allowing Sateliot to double its workforce over the past year.

Located at the company’s new headquarters in Barcelona, this center is the first in Europe dedicated to the design, development, and testing of 5G satellites that comply with the standards set by 3GPP for all mobile operators. Its establishment provides a substantial economic, technological, and talent boost for both Catalonia and Spain, establishing them as a significant player in the New Space industry.

The inauguration was attended by Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia; Mr. Javier López, Vice President of the European Parliament; Carlos Prieto, Spanish Government Delegate in Catalonia; and Juan Carlos Cortés, Director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), among other authorities, demonstrating the institutional support from Catalonia, Spain, and Brussels for this project.

This institutional support underscores the strategic importance of a proven initiative that enhances Europe’s technological autonomy in critical areas such as security, defense, and communications. Just one month ago, Sateliot achieved a historic milestone by demonstrating the world’s first direct 5G-IoT connection from space with standard IoT devices.

Introducing a New Generation of Satellites

The center features several facilities, including a 100 m² clean room, a mission control room, and a laboratory, where the prototype for Sateliot’s next-generation satellites—named Tritó in honor of the Montseny newt, an amphibious species native to Catalonia—will be developed. This name pays tribute to technology that is entirely produced in Barcelona.

These new satellites, approximately four meters long and weighing 150 kilograms each, represent a significant advancement in both capacity and performance, due to the enhanced power of their payloads. They will not only deliver connectivity for IoT devices but will also facilitate data, voice, and video services for mobile phones. Additionally, they will feature dual-use capabilities, supporting critical applications in security, civil protection, and defense.

Supported by investors

Sateliot's key shareholders include the Government of Spain (through Sepides and the Spanish Technological Transformation Society, SETT), Indra, Cellnex, Global Portfolio Investments, and the Hyperion Fund, all of whom are aligned with the company’s leadership and growth strategies.

Sateliot aims to achieve €1 billion in revenue by 2030 as part of its business plan. The commercial phase is scheduled to commence in 2026, with a goal of acquiring the first 500 clients and expanding through collaborations with mobile operators that will integrate satellite roaming. The company has successfully launched six satellites into orbit, with the latest four deployed in August 2024, and plans to launch five more in 2026.

As stated by Sateliot CEO Jaume Sanpera, "Today we embark on a new era in our company’s journey, where Catalonia, Spain, and Europe demonstrate their commitment to leading 5G connectivity from space with proprietary technology and global aspirations. We approach this era with a clear vision defined by 3GPP standards, complete integration with mobile operators, worldwide coverage, and services that operate seamlessly whether in the port of Rotterdam, the Pyrenees, or in the heart of the Atlantic, and most importantly, in real time."

Source: Sateliot