Satellite Antenna Technologies Enabling 5G Mobile Direct Services

5G and beyond 5G communication networks ambition to provide connectivity "anywhere, anytime". This global reach is simply not feasible using only terrestrial networks, which provides interesting opportunities for non-terrestrial networks, including space (from LEO to GEO systems) and atmospheric satellites (e.g. balloons, high altitude platforms). Mobile direct services are of particular interest and pose clear challenges to achieve an adequate sizing of the space segment, all the more so when addressing handheld devices, with very unfavorable link budgets, for continuity of service beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. This paper summarizes some of the main findings of an internal ESA 5G Task Force, with particular focus on the satellite antenna technologies required to enable 5G mobile direct services. The discussion covers both applications in the sub-6 GHz band (FR1) and in the millimetre-wave band (FR2).