Space-Based 5G Networks: The End of Cellular?

Space-based Internet connectivity as a retail product was pioneered by Elon Musk’s Starlink and players such as Amazon, as well as dedicated space data startups, are clamoring to fill the skies with small sat networks to provide direct-to-home data. Barcelona-based Satelliot plans to take this concept to the next level, with 5G connectivity from orbit that operates seamlessly with existing terrestrial 5G networks currently using cell phone technology. In principle, the system will allow seamless high-speed data access to smart phones and handheld devices using existing carrier companies, Sim cards and the same smart phones in use today. The development of this 5G technology is spurred by autonomous vehicles, which are expected to be widely connected and generate staggering amounts of data: Nokia predicts that autonomous driving will generate data at 4 TB per hour.  * * *Want to watch this podcast as a video? This Week in Engineering is available on engineering.com TV along with all of our other shows such as End of the Line, Designing the Future, Manufacturing the Future, and the Engineering Roundtable.