Tyvak’s LIDE CubeSat Validates 5G NTN Connectivity in Orbit

Tyvak International (a subsidiary of Terran Orbital) has completed initial on-orbit tests with its LIDE (LIve DEmonstration) CubeSat, confirming the feasibility of 5G connectivity from space and marking a notable milestone for European non-terrestrial networks (NTNs).

Launched in July 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, the 12U CubeSat is funded by Italian Space Agency and supported through European Space Agency’s ARTES programme. Early results show stable 5G links between the satellite and compact ground terminals, demonstrating how terrestrial 5G technologies can be extended into space.

LIDE operates in K- and Ka-band, supporting downlink speeds of up to 10 Mbps and uplink of 1 Mbps with ground antennas as small as 30 cm. Testing with ESA’s 5G/6G Telecom Lab is validating key NTN metrics such as latency, throughput, and signal quality.

LIDE is an indicator that small satellites can host 3GPP-aligned 5G payloads, supporting future hybrid terrestrial–satellite architectures for broadband, emergency response, and remote connectivity. The mission will now move into more advanced testing to inform future 5G- and 6G-enabled satellite services.

SOURCE: https://terranorbital.com/tyvak-internationals-lide-satellite-completes-initial-on-orbit-5g-tests/