Luxembourg, 2 June 2025 - OQ Technology, a global leader in 5G satellite NTN connectivity, has been awarded an innovative project under the European Space Agency's (ESA) ARTES 4.0 Strategic Programme Line "Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity". This project, supported by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), reinforces OQ Technology's commitment to advancing satellite-based 5G technology in Europe.

SPARC-5G: Simulation and Performance Assessment of VLEO Constellation for DiRect-to-DeviCe 5G
The SPARC-5G project aims to develop a system-level simulator to assess the performance of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) constellations providing 5G NTN direct-to-device communications. This cutting-edge simulator will model and analyze various aspects of VLEO constellations, including:

• Platform and payload RF elements
• 5G NTN protocols
• Communication links (user, feeder, ISL)
• User density models
• Advanced 5G network techniques (beam-forming/hopping, handover, routing, and radio resource management)

The project will also develop a graphical interface that allows users to define scenarios and configure the simulator, making it a powerful tool for future VLEO constellation planning and optimization.

Omar Qaise, CEO of OQ Technology, stated, "SPARC-5G represents a significant step forward in our ability to model and optimize future VLEO constellations for 5G direct-to-device communications. VLEO is the new blue ocean for satellite constellations. This simulator will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of satellite networks." Key project objectives include:

1. Identifying reference scenarios and analyzing state-of-the-art technology
   
2. Investigating the feasibility and performance of proposed simulator models
   
3. Designing, developing, and testing modular models for different aspects of space, ground, and network segments
   
4. Developing a simulator testbed framework to integrate models and provide end-to-end system simulations for VLEO 5G direct-to-device constellations
   
   The project brings together a consortium of experts, with OQ Technology as the prime contractor and collaborations with the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust and OHB LuxSpace as subcontractors.
   This initiative responds to recent trends in launching large satellite constellations and aims to provide valuable insights into the performance and optimization of VLEO constellations for 5G NTN direct-to-device communications.