The democratization of space access is driving companies’ R&D efforts toward the development of customized solutions capable of competing in this rapidly growing market. The objective is to integrate development and manufacturing capabilities directly into companies’ portfolios, rather than relying on the less cost-efficient approach of assembling outsourced components. Academia plays a key role in this process by transferring legacy technologies and adapting them to current needs at a more affordable cost, particularly within national and international strategic projects. This contribution presents two examples of such academia-industry synergies in the development of tailored deployable antenna solutions. The first study focuses on the design of an antenna for integration into 8U CubeSats within an 11-satellite constellation, supporting maritime communication via the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). Operating at VHF frequencies under stringent space requirements, while conforming with other satellite subsystems such as propulsion, requires careful design. We provide an overview of the main challenges and solutions in the design, fabrication, and measurement processes undertaken by the team. In the second application, the aim is to demonstrate an in-orbit 5G user equipment (UE) cubesat subsystem embedded in Low Earth Orbit satellites and integrated with terrestrial 5G networks. This approach aims to enhance 5G connectivity by enabling user-transparent backhaul communication between space-deployed user equipment and ground 5G base stations. We present the ongoing developments and preliminary testing of the FR1 antennas for both UE and gNB systems.