Sateliot Picks Barcelona for Europe’s First 5G Satellite Development Center
Sateliot, the pioneer in 5G IoT Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), has inaugurated Europe’s first 5G Satellite Development Center, marking a major step toward its next-generation LEO constellation and reinforcing Europe’s leadership in space-based 5G connectivity.
Located at the company’s new Barcelona headquarters, the facility is the first in Europe dedicated to the design, development, and verification of 3GPP-standard 5G satellites, ensuring full interoperability with terrestrial mobile networks. The center features a 100 m² clean room, mission control, and laboratory facilities, and has already generated over 50 highly skilled jobs, doubling Sateliot’s workforce in a year.
The event was attended by senior representatives from the Government of Catalonia, Spanish Space Agency (AEE), and the European Parliament, underlining strong institutional backing for Europe’s growing New Space industrial base.
At the new center, Sateliot is designing its next-generation Tritó satellites, named after an amphibian native to Catalonia. Each satellite will measure roughly four meters in length and weigh 150 kilograms, delivering enhanced power and dual-use capability for IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) applications, including voice, data, video, and critical communications for security, civil protection, and defense.
The initiative follows Sateliot’s world-first demonstration of a direct 5G IoT connection from space using standard devices, achieved in October. Backed by shareholders including the Government of Spain (Sepides, SETT), Indra, Cellnex, and Hyperion Fund, the company plans to reach €1 billion in revenue by 2030 and begin its commercial phase in 2026.
“Catalonia, Spain, and Europe are now aligned to lead 5G connectivity from space,” said Jaume Sanpera, CEO of Sateliot. “Our new center embodies the fusion of technology, innovation, and sovereignty that will define the next generation of space-based networks.”