EchoStar Picks MDA Space for First O-RAN LEO Constellation
EchoStar has selected MDA Space to build the world’s first Open RAN-enabled broadband LEO constellation designed for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity using standard 5G handsets.
The $1.3B initial contract covers 100+ MDA AURORA™ software-defined satellites, scaling to 200 initially, with potential for thousands.
The $5B program aims to provide talk, text, broadband, and video directly to unmodified 5G NTN devices—serving consumers, enterprises, and governments globally.
EchoStar will leverage its global 2GHz spectrum, including exclusive rights in the U.S. (AWS-4), and licenses across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
Launch of commercial service is targeted for 2029, with satellite deliveries starting 2028.
“This constellation is a major step in U.S. leadership in D2D and the space economy,” said EchoStar CEO Hamid Akhavan.
The initiative builds on $18B+ in EchoStar’s NTN-related investments since 2012, pushing the envelope in 5G-NTN standards and spectrum innovation.