Safran Passenger Innovations Germany GmbH
Country: Germany
SPI is a business unit of Safran Group, a global aerospace company. SPI specializes in In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) systems and certified onboard technologies for commercial aircraft. SPI team in Germany continues leading the development of wireless, cellular and satellite-based connectivity solutions for aircraft passengers to enable them having the most memorable connected passenger experience.
SPI coordinates the project and leads WP1 (management) and WP6 (integration, validation & demo). It drives the Aviation PoC, contributes to its implementation, supports system architecture and use case design (WP2), provides specs for onboard Satcom antenna integration (WP3), supplies real aviation data for AI/ML models (WP4), sets up edge-cloud environments with certified aviation hardware (WP5), and leads the tasks on dissemination, exploitation, and standardization (WP7).
NexaSphere supports Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) in defining its connectivity roadmap for the next 5–7 years by researching the potential and advantages of 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (6G-NTN) for In-Flight Connectivity. The project aims to enable seamless gate-to-gate broadband connectivity, providing reliable internet access for both passengers and crew throughout all flight phases.
Website: safran-group.com
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt
Country: Germany
DLR (German Aerospace Center) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. We conduct research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. DLR participates to the NexaSphere project with the Satellite Networks, Optical Satellite Links, and Navigation department, belonging to the Institute of Communications and Navigation, which has a long-established record of research and industry projects about satellite communications.
DLR acts as Technical Coordinator of the NexaSphere project as well leader of the Architecture workpackage. DLR also importantly contributes transversally to the entire workplan of the project, with special focus on the design of optical transceivers for ground-space and space-space links as well as for automotive terminals. As such, DLR is overall deeply involved in the various phases of design, development, integration, and demonstration of the entire NexaSphere system.
This project is important for DLR because of the strategic objectives about global connectivity set as one of the top priorities within the institute of communication and navigation. In this regard, the main expectation is to further the integration between TN and NTN into a 6G ecosystem, by acquiring new knowledge in this context and there consolidate the position of DLR as one of the prominent research organizations in Europe working in this field.
Website: dlr.de/en/kn
aeroLiFi GmbH
Country: Germany
aeroLiFi is a German SME developing LiFi and Free Space Optical communication technologies. It leads WP3 in NexaSphere, focusing on energy-efficient radio-optical components and LiFi-based connectivity.
Website: aerolifi.com
Conservatoire national des arts et métiers
Country: France
CNAM is a higher education institution and research centre based in Paris, France, specializing in various fields including artificial intelligence, energy, sustainable development, and digital technologies.
CNAM’s expertise will be leveraged in NexaSphere for the development of different technologies (WP2), such as integration and enhancement to multi- connectivity protocols like MPTCP and MPQUIC (WP4), as well as AI-based resource management algorithms (WP5) with some contributions in T3.3 for the development of disaggregated RAN (WP3). They will be involved in PoCs integration (WP6) as well as in exploitation and dissemination as part of WP7.
Given the focus on Non Terrestrial Networks (NTN), NexaSphere provides an opportunity to explore and extend Cnam’s research capabilities in wireless communication. Cnam can leverage its expertise in multi-connectivity protocols and AI based resource management algorithms to expand its research breadth to new frontiers. Besides, NexaSphere will strongly contribute to teaching innovation at CNAM by updating the program of CNAM engineering and master programs in networking and communications. Among them, it will in particular contribute to the AI4CI (Artificial Intelligence for Connected Industries; https://ai4ci.eu) master, a European master. Courses on AI for satellite and NTN communications will be added to the program thanks to gained expertise during NexaSphere.
Website: cnam.fr
Software Radio Systems
Country: Ireland
SRS is a globally recognized leader in trusted open software for mobile wireless networks. Their high-performance, portable, and scalable terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G RAN solutions are developed in-house, delivering complete L1/L2/L3 stacks from I/Q to IP. srsRAN Enterprise 5G is a software-based CU/DU solution for private and enterprise 5G, built for x86, ARM, and AMD architectures. It supports bare-metal and cloud-native deployments, including vRAN, Open RAN, and integrated small cells, with a modular design for flexible CU/DU separation and third-party O-RAN integration. srsRAN NTN 5G is a modular RAN solution for satellite-based 5G, supporting LEO, MEO, and GEO deployments with transparent and regenerative payloads. Fully compliant with 3GPP Rel. 17 NR-NTN, it features high-accuracy SIB19 updating and is optimized for on-board embedded integration. With a proven track record in the design, development, and commercial deployment of custom network solutions, SRS enables customers to create innovative mobile wireless products and services. For more information, visit www.srs.io.
SRS plays a key role in NexaSphere by contributing its expertise in high-performance, scalable 5G RAN systems and integrated TN/NTN solutions. SRS leads the design of a flexible, power-efficient, disaggregated RAN architecture, developing the features of srsRAN to further support LEO and GEO scenarios, multi-DU connectivity across TN and NTN, and seamless handover for multi-connectivity scenarios. This work supports the project’s goal of building a unified 3D network across terrestrial, airborne, and spaceborne platforms. SRS also contributed to the system architecture and design, radio-optical integration, edge-cloud continuum orchestration, and cross-domain use case demonstrations, including real-time connectivity for aircraft, trains, and vehicles. Through enhancements to both the near-real-time and non-real-time RIC interfaces, SRS enables support for AI-driven resource management and sustainable network orchestration. Finally, SRS is active in the dissemination and exploitation of project outcomes, helping to guide feature adoption and supporting deployments to ensure real-world impact.
NexaSphere represents a significant opportunity for SRS to further develop and demonstrate its software-based RAN solutions in next-generation terrestrial and non-terrestrial scenarios and multi-dimensional connectivity deployments. The project aligns with SRS’s strategic focus on enabling integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks through open, scalable, and power-efficient architectures. By contributing to a unified 3D network that spans land, air, and space, SRS can extend the capabilities of srsRAN to support new use cases in mobile transportation, smart cities, and beyond.
Website: softwareradiosystems.com
8Bells
Country: Cyprus
8BELLS (BELL) is a research-focused technology company specializing in AI-driven, open-source software solutions for telecom networks. With a strong interest in innovation and market trends, BELL is currently exploring the evolving domain of unified 3D connectivity, particularly within the 5G and Beyond 5G landscape.
In NexaSphere, BELL plays a key role in exploitation activities. The company is responsible for turning project results into practical outcomes by generating market-driven insights, updating its existing software and security solutions, and producing specialized reports. These efforts aim to strengthen BELL’s presence in the telecom sector and foster collaboration with relevant stakeholders across Europe and beyond.
For BELL, NexaSphere is closely aligned with its strategic priorities. The project offers valuable insights into the technological and economic aspects of 3D connectivity, helping the company enhance its solutions and better understand future telecom trends. Participation in NexaSphere supports BELL’s long-term goal of contributing to secure, advanced network infrastructures on both a European and global scale.
Website: 8bellsresearch.com
Hewlett Packard Italiana Srl
Country: Italy
HPE is a global edge-to-cloud company that helps businesses connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data from edge to cloud. Founded in Palo Alto and now headquartered in Houston, HPE ranks high in the Fortune 500. In September 2023, HPE acquired Athonet Srl, which is now included in the HPE Aruba Networking Private 5G (P5G) unit. P5G provides software-based 5G core solutions for private networks, public safety, and mission-critical applications, supporting vIMS and MCX, with compatibility for 3GPP and O-RAN systems.
HPE is a global leader in edge-to-cloud solutions, plays an important role in the NexaSphere project. By providing a Mobile Core Network, HPE facilitates the validation and integration of network components developed within NexaSphere. Their contributions extend to system design and use case definition, particularly focusing on mobile core network functionalities. Additionally, HPE contributes to validation of multi-connectivity solutions which assures access to the core network by both 3GPP and non-3GPP access (e.g, LiFi). Moreover, HPE offers a disaggregated core network solution, enabling the deployment of edge nodes controlled by a central control function, thus facilitating investigations into edge-cloud continuum architecture and supporting integration activities. Furthermore, HPE actively disseminates project results at renowned events and conferences such as MWC, leveraging their participation in specific standardization Working Groups.
HPE intends to build upon the project’s results for its beyond-5G and 6G research and innovation activities and utilize the developed solutions for other subsidized European or national projects. HPE also plans to exploit the technological and operational insight obtained from the project’s activities and prototypes to improve its public and private 5G commercial solutions. In addition, HPE will exploit the project to strengthen its position as a market leader and to tighten its relations with other industrial or academic partners. HPE expects to benefit from the results of NexaSphere not only to promote top level beyond-5G and 6G products, but also to accelerate the market growth.
Website: hpe.com
Romars
Country: Italy
RomARS is a University spin-off and SME working in an international frame to design, develop and validate innovative network technologies: network protocols, satellite protocol stacks, 5G functions and virtualised network architectures.
Design and implementation of non-3GPP multi-access configurations, integration with HPE core network platform for validating ATSSS solution in target use cases and development of an ATSSS-compliant client and server proxy tailored to application-specific requirements and satellite link characteristics (WP4). Additionally, it will be involved in activities related to specifying LiFi technology for multi-connectivity purposes within T3.2 (WP3). It will provide support for integration activities in WP6 and actively contribute to the exploitation of the results in WP7.
NexaSphere is important becasue it gives Romars the opportunity to finilise its product, to integrate it definitively in a 5G core network, to apply it to a very challenging scenario which very likely will be adopted in real systems in the next years.
Website: romars.tech
Stellantis
Country: Italy
Stellantis is one of the world’s leading automakers. It’s best known for its portfolio of brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys.
Stellantis will lead the activities in the automotive POC, as well as contribute to other Work Packages providing expertise on connectivity needs for automotive use cases (Autonomous Driving, Assisted Driving, Connected Services).
NexaSphere is an opportunity to participate in the 6G ecosystem definition by providing automotive use-case validation and contributing to vehicular connectivity scenarios.
Website: stellantis.com
RF-Microtech
Country: Italy
RF Microtech has over 18 years of experience in developing smart radiofrequency solutions for the Space, SatCom, and Aerospace sectors. It designs high-performance SatCom antennas and filters, from custom prototypes to series production, supported by in-house microwave and mechanical labs. The company supplies antennas, filters, and active systems for major space programs including IRIDE, LEO-PNT IOD, and EXOMARS, and is involved in several ESA and Horizon projects. RF Microtech operates in full compliance with ISO9001 and EN9100 standards.
In the NexaSphere project, RF Microtech will develop and test an innovative, high-efficiency multi-band antenna for 6G-NTN. The antenna will be designed to provide in-flight connectivity for avionic applications.
NexaSphere is important for RF Microtech because it allows us to advance our expertise in 6G-NTN antenna technology, opening new opportunities in the emerging market of next-generation non-terrestrial networks. The project aligns with our strategic goals of innovation in aerospace communications and enables collaboration with leading European partners.
Website: rfmicrotech.com
CNIT
Country: Italy
CNIT is Italy’s National Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications, coordinating academic research in ICT. In NexaSphere, it supports PoC integration and leads standardization and technology transfer activities.
Website: cnit.it
Vienna University of Technology
Country: Austria
TU Wien is one of Austria’s foremost technical universities with strong research in communications and embedded systems. It contributes to AI-driven orchestration and algorithm development in NexaSphere.
Website: tuwien.at
Magister Solutions Oy
Country: Finland
Magister Solutions is a Finnish SME focused on wireless network simulation and modeling tools. It leads simulations and performance validation of 3D networks in NexaSphere.
Website: magister.fi
OTE
Country: Greece
OTE is Greece’s largest telecommunications provider. It contributes to business analysis and supports the integration and validation of the rail PoC.
Website: cosmote.gr
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Network Rail manages the railway infrastructure in the UK. It provides support for the rail sector PoC and requirements validation in NexaSphere.
Website: networkrail.co.uk
OHB Systems AG
Country: Germany
Large System Integrator for Space Systems.
Leader of scenario and technical requirements definition, with particular attenction to NTN part.
To exploit Use cases and requirements wrt NTN/TN solutions.
Website: ohb.de
Hellas Sat
Country: Greece
Hellas Sat is a satellite communications (SatCom) operator that owns and operates three geostationary satellites, delivering reliable services across Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. With two strategically located teleports in Greece and Cyprus, Hellas Sat ensures robust coverage and connectivity. The company has also expanded into data center services, operating state-of-the-art facilities in both Greece and Cyprus.
Hellas sat will provide useful insight for the antenna design and interaction for the onboard computing. Hellas Sat will also support the architecture design, antenna development and multi-connectivity activities. Finally Hellas Sat will provide satellite capacity and required infrastructure for the validation and dissimenation activities.
Hellas Sat is very interested in the development of non terrestial networks and their interraction with satellite connectivity. Hellas Sat plans to use the project’s result to assess the new communication market potential and expand its collaboration with network operators. HSAT will utilize the NexaSphere data, together with its potential partners, to design and develop new communication products for its customers.
Website: hellas-sat.net
University of Naples Federico II
Country: Italy
UNINA is one of Italy’s leading universities. It contributes to system architecture, algorithms, and PoC support in NexaSphere.
Website: unina.it
