EchoStar taps MDA Space for first Open RAN NTN LEO constellation
EchoStar Corporation has appointed MDA Space as the prime contractor for its ambitious new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation aimed at delivering direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. Valued at approximately $1.3bn, the initial contract covers the design, manufacturing and testing of more than 100 software-defined satellites under MDAs AURORA platform. This marks the first phase of EchoStars planned non-terrestrial network (NTN), which will eventually consist of 200 satellites and is expected to scale to thousands depending on demand.
The LEO constellation is being developed to offer global talk, text and broadband data services directly to standard 5G NTN handheld devices without requiring special hardware modifications. The project builds on EchoStars satellite and terrestrial expertise, particularly through its Hughes division, which brings over six decades of experience in satellite communications. Coupled with its US-based 5G Open RAN infrastructure, EchoStar aims to deliver seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity across multiple sectors, including consumer, enterprise, public safety and government services in the US, Europe and beyond.
Hamid Akhavan, president & CEO of EchoStar, said: 'EchoStar's Hughes communications division has over 60 years of leadership in the satellite and space technology business. Our satellite expertise combined with our U.S.-based terrestrial 5G Open RAN network uniquely positions EchoStar to execute on this new large-scale wideband LEO constellation. The market-leading technical innovation provided by MDA Space along with our global S-band/2GHz spectrum rights with the highest ITU priority, and our strong service delivery capabilities will enable us to serve the consumer, enterprise, public safety and government sectors in the US, Europe and beyond. Critically, this will foster US leadership in the growing space economy.'
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, added: 'EchoStar's selection of our new MDA AURORA D2D software-defined satellites to meet its demanding technical and business requirements is a testament to the confidence satellite operators have in our deep expertise and products, our differentiated MDA AURORA product, and our expanding production capacity. This contract also demonstrates our continued market momentum as we strategically position MDA Space to be the prime contractor of choice for satellite operators in the direct-to-device and broadband connectivity.'
EchoStars investment in the 2GHz band dates back to 2012, with the acquisition of DBSD and TerreStar, and now exceeds $13bn. This includes purchasing spectrum rights, retrofitting satellites, developing ground infrastructure and working to standardise the 2GHz band within the 3GPP framework for 5G NTN applications. EchoStar has integrated these efforts into its US-based virtualised 5G Open RAN network and launched three next-generation satellites (Lyra) to support its goals.
Currently, EchoStar holds exclusive 2GHz licenses in the US (AWS-4) and is authorised to provide mobile satellite services over this spectrum. Additional 2GHz holdings include 30 MHz in Europe, 40 MHz in Canada (via a long-term partnership), 20 MHz in Mexico and 30 MHz in Brazil. The company has already begun offering texting services in Europe and is preparing to launch similar services in North America in early 2026.
The MDA-built satellites will operate on up to 25×20 MHz of AWS-4/S-band 2GHz spectrum and will fully comply with the latest 3GPP NTN standards. Once operational, the system will support a wide range of services, including messaging, voice, broadband data and video, to all standard-compliant devices. It will also have the capacity to interface with sensors and mobile platforms.
Satellite deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with commercial service set to launch in 2029. The total estimated cost of the LEO constellation project is $5bn.
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