On September 2, 2026, the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) published Reference Architecture Version 2.0, expanding technical guidance for non-terrestrial network (NTN) operators.
The updated framework establishes design standards for integrating regenerative satellite payloads and delivering concurrent 5G New Radio (NR) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) services from shared constellation platforms.
Payload Processing and Spectrum Management Framework
The updated specifications focus on system-level tradeoffs required to process cellular protocols on orbit. Traditional bent-pipe payloads relay transparent signals to terrestrial ground stations, whereas regenerative architectures perform onboard demodulation, routing, and signal processing to reduce latency and optimize feeder link capacity.
Key architectural guidelines detailed in Reference Architecture Version 2.0 include:
- Radio Unit (RU) Sharing: Technical mechanisms allowing multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs)—such as high-bandwidth 5G NR broadband and low-power NB-IoT—to utilize shared radio-frequency front-ends and beamforming arrays.
- Onboard Power and Processing Tradeoffs: System-level frameworks to balance power consumption, thermal dissipation, and compute capacity for onboard baseband processing.
- 3GPP Alignment: Interface definitions designed to harmonize satellite payload designs with 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18 NTN standards.
The release expands upon MSSA’s initial formation by satellite operators to standardize direct-to-device (D2D) spectrum and architecture.
Executive Leadership Viewpoint
“As NTN momentum accelerates, operators and enterprises are increasingly demanding greater choice, control, and continuity of user experience across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks,” said Serge Legris, MSSA Technical Committee Vice Chair and Chief Technology Officer at Terrestar Solutions. “Through the MSSA Reference Architecture, we are aligning the industry to enable interoperability across the entire value chain while providing a clear framework to support emerging architectural and service requirements, including regenerative payloads and 5G NR and NB‑IoT.”
Industry Standardization Outlook
Developed by the MSSA Technical Committee’s Reference Architecture Working Group, Version 2.0 is available to industry stakeholders to guide hardware development across satellite manufacturers, chipmakers, and telecom operators. The association will utilize the framework to promote open interfaces and cross-network roaming across commercial NTN deployments.
