The promise of staying connected, even when off the grid, is moving closer to reality. A team of engineers and outdoor enthusiasts recently demonstrated two-way satellite connectivity directly from a jacket, marking a significant step forward in wearable technology and emergency communication. The breakthrough, achieved in autumn 2025, integrates a specially designed antenna into clothing, allowing for reliable communication in remote areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.
The project, spearheaded by Finnish company Stealthcase Oy, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) and collaboration with Radientum Oy and outdoor clothing brand Halti Oy, successfully tested the technology on the slopes of Mount Halti, a fell straddling the border between Finland, and Norway. This demonstration of S-band connectivity from a wearable antenna to a geostationary satellite opens up possibilities for emergency responders, hikers, and anyone venturing into areas with limited infrastructure.
For years, integrating antennas into fabrics has presented a considerable challenge. Traditional antenna components are rigid and tricky to incorporate seamlessly into flexible materials. Stealthcase overcame this hurdle by developing a low-cost and scalable method to imprint the antenna coating directly onto textile, maintaining conductivity without compromising the fabric’s integrity. “Incorporating antennas into different types of fabrics and surfaces has been a long-term challenge,” the source content states. Once perfected, Halti designed a jacket to house the antenna, putting the technology to the test in real-world conditions.
To validate the system, a team undertook a six-hour trek to the summit and back of Halti. The group split into two teams: one ascending the peak and another remaining at lower altitudes. Throughout the hike, the summit team paused to test connectivity, sending and receiving text messages to the team below. Remarkably, the satellite link remained stable even in areas where terrain was expected to obstruct the signal.
Juha Lilja, founder of Stealthcase and a participant in the demonstration, recounted a particularly surprising result. “Every now and then we stopped to create connectivity tests, and the surprising thing was that the satellite link was working at the lake in Norway [Guolasjávri], even though we thought it was shadowed by Halti fell,” Lilja noted, as reported in the source content. The team had anticipated signal loss in certain areas, especially at the starting point in the mountain’s shadow, but the connection remained consistently strong. “Even at the low-altitude starting point – deep in the mountain’s shadow the satellite link worked fluently. It was a moment where even the most reserved Finnish engineer had to chuckle and say, ‘Not bad’,” Lilja added.
Stealthcase has a history of innovation in antenna technology, including the development of glass antennas designed to maintain indoor connectivity despite the signal-blocking properties of modern energy-efficient glass. The company’s founder has long been dedicated to advancing wearable, satellite-linked antennas, with previous collaborations focused on creating resilient gear for emergency services, including ocean rescue equipment. StealthCase Oy began pursuing this technology as early as 2016, spotting an ESA tender on textile antennas.
The successful demonstration of robust, two-way satellite connectivity in a wearable form brings the vision of truly connected and resilient wearables closer to becoming a reality. This technology showcases the innovative potential of Finnish companies in utilizing space-based solutions for everyday life. The project, titled ‘Wirelessly Connected Textile Antennas for Smart Clothing,’ received funding from ESA’s Industrial Competitiveness programme, part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.
“Turning clothes, life rafts, and more into antennas makes sure we can keep people connected when they need it the most,” said Hoda Nematollahi, Antenna Engineer at ESA. “Stealthcase’s work is a great example of the unexpected solutions and innovations that come out of ESA supported research to enable new businesses and applications.”
The implications of this technology extend beyond recreational use. Reliable satellite connectivity in wearable form could prove invaluable for search and rescue operations, disaster relief efforts, and providing communication access in areas lacking traditional infrastructure. The team is now focused on refining the technology and exploring potential applications in various sectors.
Looking ahead, Stealthcase and its partners will continue to develop and refine the technology, with a focus on miniaturization, power efficiency, and broader integration into different types of clothing and equipment. Further testing and development are planned to optimize performance and prepare for potential commercialization.
What do you think about the future of wearable satellite technology? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
