MDA Space Ltd. announced that it will prime SkyPhi, a new mission funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) that will enable regenerative 5G direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications from low Earth orbit (LEO). The announcement, made at the UK Space Conference taking place in Manchester, spotlights the UK's role in driving forward next-generation space-based telecommunications and reinforcing its leadership in satellite innovation. Funded by the ESA and the UKSA, the mission is part of the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program.
SkyPhi supports the development and validation of innovative satcom technologies with strong commercial potential. MDA Space UK will lead phases A and B of the mission in collaboration with UK-based mission partners CGI and Open Cosmos, combining proven strengths in satellite platforms and operations, secure communications, network integration, and advanced payload systems.
