Collaborative Mission for 5G NTN Satellite Services Announced
D-Orbit to Host OQ Technology Payload in Early 2026
A collaborative mission has been announced by space logistics company D-Orbit and telecom operator OQ Technology to advance satellite-based IoT Solutions.
"By accommodating OQ Technology's payload on our platform, we're enabling the testing of advanced services that would typically require a large, dedicated satellite."
Matteo Lorenzoni, D-Orbit
Scheduled for early 2026, the mission will involve hosting OQ’s innovative 5G IoT Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) payload. The mission will serve as a first of a kind cell tower in space hosted on D-Orbit to expand OQ’s NTN satellite constellation and connectivity service portfolio.
OQ Technology is advancing its 5G NTN services adding new 3GPP standard features to address high capacity D2D customers; the payload will function as a sky-based cell tower, capable of connecting to various 3GPP-standard compatible IoT devices. Additionally, OQ will leverage this hosting service to expand its global coverage, complementing its existing satellite network.
"This collaboration with OQ Technology exemplifies the adaptability of our ION Satellite Carrier," said Matteo Lorenzoni, VP Commercial Strategy at D-Orbit. "By accommodating OQ Technology's payload on our platform, we're enabling the testing of advanced services that would typically require a large, dedicated satellite. This approach significantly reduces the costs associated with developing, manufacturing, and operating a custom satellite platform for such demonstrations."
“We have been looking forward to using advanced platforms as a service for enabling us to expand our constellation and global 3GPP standard connectivity coverage,” commented Omar Qaise, CEO and founder of OQ Technology.
ION Satellite Carrier is an innovative satellite platform designed, manufactured and operated by D-Orbit. The spacecraft is modular and capable of performing multiple mission objectives at once, depending on the configuration. A typical ION mission involves objectives like satellite deployments, in-orbit demonstrations, and edge computing.
This collaborative effort between D-Orbit and OQ Technology combines D-Orbit's expertise in space logistics and transportation with OQ Technology's pioneering work in satellite-based IoT connectivity using 5G technology. This mission could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective satellite services, particularly in the rapidly growing fields of IoT and 5G connectivity in remote areas.