Insider Brief
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Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) has integrated its Early Test payload into D-Orbit’s ION satellite platform, marking the first-ever use of 5G millimeter wave (5G mmWave) spectrum for high-speed, low-latency satellite internet transmission.
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The payload, developed and tested in France, is scheduled for launch in June 2025, positioning CTO as a future operator of space-based connectivity services and reinforcing Europe’s competitiveness in space telecommunications.
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CTO is strengthening its leadership team with industry experts to support its growth and accelerate its mission of providing telecom operators with a shared, neutral space-based infrastructure for global high-speed internet access.
PRESS RELEASE — Less than six months after securing €9.3 million in funding, Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) is delivering on its ambitions. The startup is developing a constellation of VLEO satellites to enable telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access from space—just as they do today with terrestrial networks. Today, CTO unveils its first regenerative operational payload, the Early Test.
Tested on the ground under simulated space environmental conditions, the Early Test payload has been integrated into D-Orbit’s ION satellite platform, which will allow it to operate in orbit. It is now scheduled to be launched into space in June 2025—a pioneering milestone in space telecommunications, marking the first-ever use of the 5G millimeter wave (5G mmWave) spectrum for high-speed, low-latency internet data transmission via satellite, anywhere on the planet.
At the same time, CTO is accelerating its structuring efforts by strengthening its management team with seasoned professionals. These experts will support the company’s growth and help achieve its mission: to provide telecom operators with a shared, neutral space-based infrastructure that ensures universal, high-performance, affordable, and sustainable internet access.
Developed and manufactured in France, CTO’s payload is a breakthrough innovation in high-speed space telecommunications. For the first time, telecom operators’ 5G mmWave spectrum is being leveraged for satellite-based ultra-fast, low-latency internet transmission.
A Global First for CTO and a Major Step Forward for Space Connectivity
The Early Test was designed to integrate and validate CTO’s essential hardware and software technologies for high-speed connectivity. After its assembly, it underwent rigorous testing to confirm its functionality on the ground before being successfully integrated into the satellite platform that will support its operation once deployed in orbit.
This successful integration represents a key milestone in CTO’s project, positioning the company as a future operator of connectivity services from space in reinforcing Europe’s autonomy and competitiveness in the space telecommunications market.
Charles Delfieux, CEO of CTO, states: “Our regenerative 5G mmWave payload is a world first that confirms CTO’s ability to accelerate the convergence between terrestrial and space connectivity. It is a fundamental brick to continue developing the next generation space infrastructure for telecoms operators that they can operate as they do today with terrestrial networks.”
Tangible Benefits for Telecom Operators
This technology opens new opportunities for telecom operators by enabling them to extend their coverage beyond terrestrial infrastructure limits using their 5G mmWave spectrum. CTO provides an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver high-performance connectivity in rural, remote, and underserved areas—without requiring heavy investment in expanding terrestrial networks to low-density regions.
CTO offers a strategic alternative to large-scale constellations launched by new entrants, allowing telecom operators to manage a shared space-based telecommunications network, just as they do today with terrestrial networks. This model enables them to diversify their service offerings beyond fiber and cellular solutions.
An Innovative Project Driven by an Experienced, Strengthened Team
Following its funding round, CTO has significantly expanded its workforce, particularly in leadership roles. To support its growth, the company now relies on a team of 30+ experts, led by a highly experienced management team in the space and telecommunications industries.
This strengthened leadership aligns with CTO’s overall strategy of innovation and industrialization, reflecting its commitment to building a robust and sustainable organization while attracting and retaining the best talent in the field.
With this technological breakthrough and its strengthened team, CTO is establishing itself as a key player in space telecommunications, actively contributing to the vision of universal connectivity.
Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Space Impulse since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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