Roscosmos: Direct-to-cell network

2023: Start of System Creation

At the end of October 2023, Roskosmos announced the start of work on a satellite system for telephone calls. We are talking about direct-to-cell technology.

According TASS to Roskosmos, the state corporation has signed a contract to study the appearance of the system for connecting mobile devices to the network in the absence of cellular infrastructure. The work is carried out on the basis of a research institute. TsNIIMash Our head enterprises and enterprises from the outer circuit, as well as universities, are involved in it, Roskosmos reported.

Roscosmos began working on direct-to-cell technology

According to the company's plans, after working out the appearance of the system, its preliminary design will be launched. This project focuses on attracting private and small innovative companies and institutions.

So far, no contracts have been signed, but the participation of ISS Reshetneva JSC, Radio Research Institute, Gazprom SPKA, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, possibly Skoltech, is planned. We interact with Yandex, MTS, - said in Roskosmos.

They also noted that the system will be quite complex, it will be necessary to link with ground networks, link protocols with cellular operators, develop ground equipment, as well as spacecraft.

Alexander Bloshenko, executive director of the state corporation for promising programs and science, spoke about Roscosmos' plans to start developing the direct-to-cell system in April 2023. Then he noted that there are many ideas in the world aimed at gaining direct access to a mobile from a satellite without additional equipment.

SpaceX and T-Mobile have promised to launch a similar project in 2024. It is assumed that initially only sending text messages will be available, and from 2025 - calls.^[1]

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