Satellite company EchoStar opts for MDA Space for pioneering Open RAN broadband non-terrestrial network (NTN) low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation project

Satellite company EchoStar opts for MDA Space for pioneering Open RAN broadband non-terrestrial network (NTN) low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation project

In a significant leap forward for commercial satellite technology, EchoStar Corporation, a leading global communications and connectivity provider, has announced that MDA Space will serve as the prime contractor for its new non-terrestrial network (NTN) low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation.

MDA Space's role includes the design, manufacturing, and testing of over 100 software-defined MDA AURORA™ satellites, which are key to building the world's first 3GPP 5G compliant NTN using LEO satellites. This initial constellation can expand to over 200 satellites and eventually scale to thousands as demand grows, supporting global talk, text, and broadband services directly to standard 5G handheld devices without needing special hardware modifications.

The initial contract for this project is valued at approximately $1.3 billion (about C$1.8 billion) for the first 100+ satellites. With contract options to complete the initial 200-satellite network, the value could rise to approximately $2.5 billion (about C$3.5 billion). EchoStar’s overall investment in this LEO constellation project is estimated to reach about $5 billion, contributing to a total NTN satellite connectivity investment exceeding $18 billion since 2012.

EchoStar's LEO constellation is planned for delivery in 2028, with commercial service starting in 2029. In North America, EchoStar will launch a similar service in the first half of 2026 through its subsidiary, EchoStar's Hughes communications division, which has over 60 years of leadership in the satellite and space technology business.

The constellation will be fully compliant with the newly created NTN and 3GPP standards, ensuring seamless integration with existing 5G networks. It will utilize up to 25×20 MHz of AWS-4/S-band 2GHz frequencies and connect to an array of sensor and mobile vehicles.

EchoStar's vision for this investment is a global D2D service integrated with terrestrial connectivity to everyone. The company has led the efforts to standardize the 2GHz band at 3GPP for 5G and to develop the NTN 3GPP standards. With MDA Space on board, EchoStar is one step closer to realizing its vision of providing global talk, text, and broadband services directly to standard 5G NTN handheld devices, revolutionizing the way we communicate and connect.

[1] EchoStar Corporation press release, "EchoStar Corporation Selects MDA Space as Prime Contractor for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Constellation", 12 April 2023. [2] MDA Space press release, "MDA Space Secures US$1.3 Billion Contract for EchoStar's Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Constellation", 12 April 2023. [3] EchoStar Corporation investor presentation, "EchoStar Corporation 2023 Investor Day", 11 April 2023. [4] MDA Space investor presentation, "MDA Space 2023 Investor Day", 11 April 2023. [5] 3GPP press release, "3GPP Completes First 5G New Radio (NR) Release for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs)", 16 December 2022.

The MDA Space-led project, designed to create a 3GPP 5G compliant NTN using LEO satellites, is a significant step in the advancement of space-and-astronomy and technology, as it is part of EchoStar Corporation's ambitious plan to revolutionize global communications. This plan involves the development of a direct-to-device satellite constellation, valued at approximately $2.5 billion, with the potential to scale thousands of satellites and transform the way we communicate directly through standard 5G handheld devices.

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