Celeste Technologies Complete Successful 5G NR-NTN Interoperability Tests with Sateliot's D2D Constellation Payload

Why It Matters

The tests prove that standards‑based, software‑defined 5G in space can deliver reliable, low‑latency connectivity for critical IoT, automotive, and defense applications, strengthening Europe’s sovereign communications infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Celeste’s SmartgNB runs fully in software on multi‑core SoC
• Tests covered both GEO and LEO, transparent and regenerative payloads
• Interoperability achieved with Qualcomm’s 5G modem and Sateliot’s D2D payload
• Demonstrates readiness for European 5G NR‑NTN LEO constellations
• Supports IoT, automotive, security, and defense use cases

Pulse Analysis

The emergence of 5G New Radio non‑terrestrial networks (NR‑NTN) marks a pivotal shift from terrestrial‑only coverage to truly global connectivity. By adhering to 3GPP Release 17 specifications, the Celeste‑Sateliot partnership demonstrates that a fully software‑defined gNB can interoperate with commercial 5G modem stacks, a prerequisite for scaling satellite‑based services. This alignment reduces reliance on proprietary hardware, accelerates certification processes, and opens the door for multi‑operator ecosystems that can share orbital resources while maintaining performance parity with ground‑based networks.

Celeste’s SmartgNB distinguishes itself by running entirely in software across x86, ARM, and RISC‑V architectures, eliminating the need for dedicated ASICs or FPGA accelerators. Operating on a multi‑core system‑on‑chip, the stack handles Layer 1 to Layer 3 functions, supporting both CU/DU splits and regenerative payload processing. Such flexibility lowers entry barriers for satellite manufacturers, enables rapid firmware updates, and facilitates the deployment of on‑board processing capabilities that can adapt to evolving traffic patterns and regulatory requirements.

For the market, the successful interoperability trial underpins Sateliot’s vision of a European LEO constellation delivering low‑latency, S‑band 5G NR services to IoT devices, connected cars, and mission‑critical defense platforms. By proving end‑to‑end functionality, the collaboration accelerates commercial rollout timelines, strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in space communications, and positions the region to compete with incumbent satellite operators. As demand for ubiquitous, resilient connectivity grows, standards‑compliant, software‑centric solutions like SmartgNB will become the backbone of next‑generation satellite‑terrestrial convergence.