Indra Space Leads ESA-Backed 5G NTN Study for IRIS² Low-LEO Layer
Indra Space has been selected by the European Space Agency to lead SELENE, a project assessing the feasibility of 5G non-terrestrial network infrastructure for future government and defence direct-to-device services.
SELENE is one of two Indra Space-led projects selected for the consolidation phase of ESA’s IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities. The programme is designed to mature mission concepts that could support future versions of the Low-LEO layer of IRIS², Europe’s secure satellite communications system.
The SELENE project will focus on demonstrating whether a 5G NTN-based space infrastructure can provide direct communications to government and defence user terminals. The work targets one of the fastest-developing areas of the satellite sector: direct-to-device connectivity using standards-based satellite and terrestrial network integration.
The consortium brings together Celeste, Druid Software, Aerospacelab, Thales Alenia Space España, Sener Aeroespacial, Stellar Project, Hisdesat and i2CAT. Their combined roles cover 5G technologies, satellite platforms, advanced antennas, optical inter-satellite links and system operations.
The project is particularly relevant to the Low-LEO layer of IRIS², which will operate below 750 kilometres and is expected to host some of the programme’s most innovative missions. Low-LEO architectures are being explored for lower-latency services, improved link budgets and future D2D and IoT capabilities.
ESA’s initial consolidation phase will last around four months. After that, a smaller number of mission demonstrators may be selected for implementation, including full development, deployment and in-orbit validation. Demonstration missions are expected toward the end of the decade.
Indra Space is also leading ATLAS, a separate project focused on space-based air traffic management communications and surveillance. While ATLAS addresses aviation services, SELENE is the more directly relevant project for NTN, 5G and future secure D2D communications.
The work forms part of the wider IRIS² programme, a €15.6 billion European public-private partnership involving the European Commission, ESA and the SpaceRISE consortium of Hispasat, Eutelsat and SES. First IRIS² launches are expected from 2029.