Interstellar Demos Formation-Flying “Unwired” Phased-Array Antenna for Future D2D Satellites
Japan’s Interstellar Technologies has claimed a successful ground-based proof-of-principle experiment demonstrating a formation-flying, unwired phased-array antenna, a concept aimed at enabling future Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity. Experiments were conducted in collaboration with Shirane Laboratory (Institute of Science Tokyo), Honma–Murata Laboratory (Iwate University), and Microwave Factory Co., Ltd
The experiment showed that multiple ultra-small satellites, each acting as independent antenna elements, can be synchronized wirelessly to operate as a single, high-gain phased array without physical interconnections. Using prototype analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) and antennas, the team demonstrated end-to-end cellular signal transmission and reception across a simulated multi-satellite array.
Unlike traditional distributed antenna systems, the approach relies on tight timing alignment and coherent signal combining across physically separated spacecraft. In its mature form, the architecture could scale to tens of thousands of satellites, creating a virtual antenna far larger than any single spacecraft could host.
The work aims to support next-generation high-capacity NTN and D2D systems, potentially improving link budgets for smartphones, vehicles, and IoT devices. Results from the experiment have been accepted for presentation at IEEE ISSCC 2026, and Interstellar says it plans further work to improve scalability, performance, and reliability.