We have transitioned to the era of smart technology in what feels like the blink of an eye, especially concerning communication and connectivity. Now, we are fast on track to reach another height, as space is now hosting 6G for the first time. The first mission was to have 6G orbit the Earth, but the second mission is even more surprising than the first! Will we live in the future soon?
A new era for communication and connectivity
We have come a long way since the ancient and pre-industrial days of communication. What started as audio and visual cues to provide long-distance communication, either by smoke signals, drumming, or sending messages via pigeon or horseback, is now behind us. The youngest generation may not even believe us that we relied on electrical technology such as:
- Morse code and the telegraph, or
- The telephone (using wire voice transmission) and switchboards
Then came the age of wireless communication, starting with long-distance radios, and gradually evolving to automated switching and satellite communication. Fiber-optic technology slowly became the norm, opening new doors for modern computing and digital communication, including cellular mobile phones.
Now, we have smartphones and fast mobile internet. We have relied on mobile network technologies such as 4G (fourth generation) and 5G (fifth generation) for some time, but the world is now ready for the next step, namely the sixth generation, or 6G. It is already orbiting Earth, but its next mission is unexpected.
6G is orbiting Earth for the first time
On November 28, 2025, for the first time in low Earth orbit, 6GStarLab, or an in-orbit laboratory satellite, was launched. This launch was significant, considering that the Internet of Things (IoT) is now a reality for onshore and offshore industrial settings. Now, before we delve even deeper into why this launch was important, we will review 6GStarLab’s specifications first.
The Barcelona-based non-profit organisation, i2CAT Research Centre, was behind the launch of the 6GStarLab into low Earth orbit. Open Cosmos manufactured the satellite by using its in-house Assembly, Integration, and Verification/Testing (AIVT). The satellite itself is known as a CubeSat, and it is surprisingly lightweight, weighing only 11.1 kg (24.5 pounds).
Transcelestial, a Singapore-based company specializing in wireless connectivity and laser communication, is a key partner of the 6GStarLab satellite mission. This partnership hints at the 6GStarLab CubeSat’s next surprising step now that its launch into low Earth orbit has been completed, as it will change communication as we know it.
This is the next surprising step
This in-orbit laboratory satellite has been created to serve as a research and development testbed for 6G and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies. It will also enable researchers to operate remote experiments more flexibly and for free (excluding the i2CAT engineering support effort fee). These remote (space-based) experiments will include testing advanced technologies such as:
- Multifrequency bands
- AI-driven systems
- Next-generation optical laser communication
The testing will prove that satellites can either improve or even replace existing communication infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity worldwide by creating hybrid networks. The key goal is to accelerate Europe’s standardization of 6G. This will be highly beneficial, especially as AI demand is skyrocketing, enabling low-carbon-footprint, data-driven capacity planning. The use of the satellite will be available in February 2026.
Soon, 6G connectivity from space to the ground will be the new norm for transportation, IoT, mobile devices, and rural areas. Catalunya will be home to Transcelestials first Optical Ground Station, which, along with laser communication terminals, will accelerate the research and development of 6G. This opens the door to a new era of communication. Now, space will also soon host JKU’s solar-operated drone for energy production, proving we are living in the future.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.
