ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk, Netherlands
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission invite European and ESA Member states industry to a User Terminal workshop including a presentation of the ARTES and IRIS2 User Terminal Roadmap, industry panels, and round tables.
The European satellite ecosystem is advancing its capabilities to support the deployment of future satellite constellations and resilient infrastructures for European citizens. This workshop will focus on the development and deployment of competitive European user terminal solutions as a key enabler of satellite connectivity. It will address the complete user terminals technology and value chain, from key components (flat panel antennas, interfaces, chipsets) through terminal integration, regulatory certification, and scalable production.
The objective is to align stakeholders on targeted priorities and capabilities, initiate discussions on upcoming procurement opportunities within the ARTES and IRIS2 Programmes, and enable structured networking (B2B sessions) between ESA, the European Commission (EC), and industry participants.
PROGRAMME
09:30-10:00
Registration / Welcome Coffee
10:00-10:30
Opening (ESA/EC)
10:30-11:15
ARTES and IRIS2 Roadmap and procurement opportunities (ESA/EC)
All attendees to the conference must register in advance. On-site participation is strongly encouraged. The panel, roundtables and B2B networking sessions will be held exclusively in-person.
Places are subject to availability and may be limited depending on the attendance.
Please note that this conference mainly targets participants from EU and ESA Member States, Associate States or Cooperating States.
Please note that maximum capacity has been reached forboth the In Person and Online events.
Attend in person REGISTRATION CLOSED
Full-day access, including the afternoon sessions, panels, roundtables and networking event
…EUROPE AND CANADA LOST SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS FOR SEVEN DAYS?
In late 2025, ESA commissioned a study from London Economics to illustrate the critical role of satellite communications (satcom)
The study examined the positive economic and social impact of satcom across five key sectors
Maritime
Aviation
Consumer
Energy
Payment
To capture the scale of Europe and Canada’s reliance on satellite communications and their positive contributions, London Economics’ study estimates the cost of satcom’s absence. The study applies a hypothetical scenario wherein satellite communications are disrupted over seven days during an average week of the year. In this scenario, satellite communications are inhibited across all orbits – with no identified cause – leading to an immediate and global loss of satcom while other space-based services remain operational. The total monetised impacts from this hypothetical loss of satellite communications were estimated at up to €20 billion over the seven-day period.
The London Economics study maps the use of satellite communications across the maritime, aviation, consumer, energy and payment sectors, as well as their related use cases, taking into consideration their dependence on satcom versus terrestrial alternatives. To do so, London Economics undertook 48 stakeholder consultations with customers and end-users of satellite communications, as well as satellite operators and connectivity providers, national regulators, expert stakeholders, financial institutions and academics. The estimate yielded by this study focuses on the economic and social costs of a disruption, quantifying the number of households and businesses affected through:
LOSS OF REVENUE
OPERATIONAL DELAYS
CONSUMER WELFARE LOSS
ENVIRONMENTAL COST
This study illustrates the importance of sustaining resilient satellite communications that support the economic growth and maintenance of social norms across Europe and Canada.
KEY FINDINGS
The result of this study estimates the total monetised impacts from loss of satellite communications in a bracket ranging from €10.2 billion up to as high as €20 billion, as suggested by a sensitivity analysis. In particular, the maritime sector accounts for more than 90% of losses – as high as €19 billion. These findings represent a snapshot of losses based on the current usage of satellite communications in Europe and Canada – a figure that is expected to grow in the medium term as new technologies make their way to market, driving adoption of space-based communications. The socio-economic benefits principally affected by this loss are considered to be (click on the tabs below to cycle through entries):
DIGITAL INCLUSION
Households with no terrestrial infrastructure become cut-off
CARBON SAVINGS
Maritime and aviation routes can no longer be optimised and shortened
SHIPPING
Disrupted vessel and port operations, as well as knock-on effects result in major losses across supply chains
THE RESULTS – MARITIME
CONSERVATIVE
€9.6 billion
SENSITIVE
€19 billion
GMDSS
Inoperative
The total estimated impacts for the maritime sector range from €9.6 billion to €19 billion. The loss of economic activity in transport, warehousing and port support services, as well as the wider knock-on effects across supply chains affect ESA Member States and Canadian domestic industries due to their dependence on maritime imports for key inputs. What’s more, disrupted vessel operations – including for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) – go on to affect the safety of transiting cargo and of roughly 178,000 cruise passengers.
THE RESULTS – AVIATION
CONSERVATIVE
€307.6 million
SENSITIVE
€558.7 million
CANCELLED FLIGHTS
4,000 flights
The estimated impact for aviation ranges from a €307.6 million to €558.7 million, with loss of satellite communications impacting ESA Member States and Canadian airlines and Air Traffic Management and operations control centres. Within the seven-day timeframe of the study’s scenario, no less than 4,000 transatlantic flights are delayed or cancelled. The delays cost airlines €69.2 million, with 1,800 aircraft hours of cascading delays at major hubs valued at €63.8 million. European and Canadian passengers lose a collective 2.2 million hours at a cost of €58.4 million. In addition, the delays incur an environmental impact – with 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emitted at a cost of €44.1 million.
THE RESULTS – CONSUMER
CONSERVATIVE
€262.8 million
SENSITIVE
€352.7 million
FORCED OFFLINE
2.2 million
The estimated cost to consumer activities ranges from €262.8 million to €352.7 million, with 2.2 million citizens in ESA Member States and Canada losing their connectivity. The disruption of satellite communications has broad social consequences: users in remote and mountainous regions lacking coverage suffer the greatest impact, becoming completely cut-off. Digital isolation and reduced access to online education, remote work and healthcare delays are also compounded by the absence of satellite communications. Satellite-enabled emergency messaging in particular is estimated to reach a cost of €4.5 million in societal impact due to disrupted emergency responses.
THE RESULTS – ENERGY
CONSERVATIVE
€73.9 million
SENSITIVE
€89.8 million
FORCED OFFLINE
1,860
Estimated loss for the energy sector ranges from €73.9 million to €89.8 million. Offshore rigs in particular are impacted – pausing operations to the cost of €70.7 million, with standby costs incurred by stack warming reaching €3.1 million. Furthermore, the lack of terrestrial coverage and of alternative infrastructure affect the connectivity for 1,860 offshore crew, with consequences on welfare and mental health.
THE RESULTS – PAYMENTS
Although no monetisable impact was found for the payment infrastructure in ESA Member States and Canada, the consequences of a satellite communications disruptions are nevertheless tangible. ATM and Point of Sale (POS) machines in isolated communities with no terrestrial connectivity lose functionality. Additionally, Canada’s community aggregator model is found fully dependant on satellite operations. In contrast to other sectors however, strong contingency plans exist for payment infrastructure to mitigate loss of communication, enabling operations within seven days even if POS and ATMs become fully reliant on satellite communications in the future.
LIMITATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
The overall monetised impacts estimated by the study are expected to be higher than the brackets illustrated above. Indeed, multiple known users of satellite communications were excluded from the scope of this study – including media, government and defence. Moreover, monetised impacts do not account for financial transfers within Member States and can result in monetised impacts appearing lower than expected in this report.
Future research should explore the role of satellite communications as a back-up to terrestrial communication infrastructure, additional and emerging use cases, as well as evolving dependencies. This information will be invaluable to better inform resilience planning, investment decisions, and policy development.
CONSULT THE FULL REPORT
The full report is accessible for free on the London Economics website.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that it has joined the O-RAN ALLIANCE to help develop ties between mobile operators and satellite network operators. ESA’s participation will boost space segment engagement with mobile network operators and facilitate the integration of satellite communications technologies and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) into future O-RAN standards.
Artist’s illustration of satellite and terrestrial networks. Image credit: Shutterstock
This move is coherent with the emphasis placed by ESA’s Member States on the development of 5G and 6G technologies and integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN). Indeed, the Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme line of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme was fully funded at the Council meeting at Ministerial level 2025 (CM25), reflecting the continued trust placed by ESA’s Member States in its mission to deliver the benefits of space communications technologies for its citizens.
ESA’s membership to the O-RAN ALLIANCE adds to a worldwide community of mobile network operators, vendors, and research, academic and government institutions, pooling deep practical know-how and technical insight. The ALLIANCE aims to transform the design and deployment of radio access networks (RAN), on which mobile telephony and connectivity rely. By promoting innovation throughout the telecommunications ecosystem, the ALLIANCE aims to enable standardised, open and interoperable interfaces and intelligent RAN functions across vendors, reducing dependency on proprietary solutions.
ESA is uniquely positioned to bridge the ALLIANCE’s existing community with Space Network Operators (SNO) and facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. Through ESA’s membership, SNOs will be able to work with the Agency to take an active contributor role to defining the operational requirements of the space segment and solving the technical challenges of merging the two network ecosystems.
In the view of accelerating this process and strengthening cooperation between the space and terrestrial ecosystems, ESA will join the O-RAN ALLIANCE’s work on NTN and will help to engage key stakeholders by leading a group of NTN companies working to interact with O-RAN. ESA and other NTN companies have already engaged with O-RAN in a workshop that took place at the O-RAN ALLIANCE Face-to-Face meetings in Rome in February 2026.
“Joining the O-RAN ALLIANCE is a major step towards fleshing out the integration of TN/NTN,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme. “We will work together to define the standards that will steer the worldwide deployment of these next-gen networks for the benefit of our Member States’ citizens. At the same time, we are helping our satellite network operators become recognised as global leaders in the matter and fostering a strong ecosystem that will support their commercial success.”
“ESA’s participation in the O-RAN ALLIANCE reflects the strategic importance of embedding Non-Terrestrial Networks within open RAN architectures,” said Angelos Goulianos, 5G/6G Systems Engineer at the European Space Agency. “As 5G evolves towards 6G, space–terrestrial integration must be addressed at system level to ensure interoperable and resilient global connectivity. Through focused programme activities, coordinated industrial engagement, and access to ESA testing facilities and validation environments, ESA supports technology evolution and product readiness, strengthening European competitiveness towards the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks”
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ESA and GSMA Foundry open new round of Innovation Challenges for 5G/6G connectivity via satellite at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026
The European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the GSMA Foundry has announced a new round of Innovation Challenges to fast-track technology and product developments that will advance networks blending terrestrial telecom infrastructure with satellite communications at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026.
Laurent Jaffart, Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity at MWC Barcelona 2026. Image credit: European Space Agency
For the past three years, the Innovation Challenges have been jointly defined by ESA and GSMA Foundry. Their goal is to help European industry scale innovations that will accelerate the delivery of ubiquitous global connectivity through the seamless integration of satellite and terrestrial assets. This year, new Challenge categories were unveiled across four strategic pillars, designed to advance technological developments pivotal to the commercialisation of such hybrid networks:
AI x NTN: Integrating Artificial Intelligence with the emerging trend of Non-Terrestrial Networks will allow next-generation mobile connectivity to benefit from nearly ubiquitous and continuous coverage by orchestrating traffic and dynamic spectrum through satellite networks on multiple orbits.
Direct-to-Device (D2D): On the ground, consumer and commercial users will rely on standardised and globally accessible satellite connectivity directly to consumer smartphones and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.
5G and 6G Hubs: The convergence of standards-based mobile connectivity and satellite communications will be advanced through targeted exchanges and collaborative testbeds to help operators and developers to create the next generation of hybrid network infrastructure.
6G innovation: Focusing on early-stage 6G technologies, such as edge intelligence and advanced IoT by emphasising areas where satellite-terrestrial convergence will play a crucial role.
The 2026 edition of the Innovation Challenges announced at MWC Barcelona 2026 is the third round in an ongoing partnership between ESA and the GSMA Foundry inaugurated in 2024. Successful applications selected by ESA and its National Delegations are invited by the GSMA Foundry to showcase their achievements at the MWC Barcelona conference. These live project demonstration contribute to increasing their visibility, as well as their opportunities for collaboration with leading organisations in the telecommunications and space sectors. Furthermore, successful applicants are directed to relevant ESA funding mechanisms and programmatic support to fast-track the development and commercialisation of their project.
ESA and GSMA Foundry at MWC Barcelona 2026. Image credit: European Space Agency
“Our Member States’ unwavering support in our programmes, particularly during the ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25), has made this collaboration with GSMA Foundry possible,” said Laurent Jaffart, Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity at ESA. “At Mobile World Congress, we’re collectively marking a pivotal moment for the convergence of Europe’s space and telecommunication sectors. By offering funding access for AI, NTN, and D2D, we are not just developing technology; we are preparing for the seamless, global 6G infrastructure of tomorrow.”
“By combining the reach of the mobile industry with ESA’s space expertise, we are unlocking a new era of connectivity. This funding and our showcase demonstrate that hybrid networks are no longer a concept, they are a commercial reality,” Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer at GSMA, said “The collaborative breakthroughs you see today signal a step-change for digital transformation, making seamless and universal connectivity possible even in the most remote regions. Together, we are driving forward innovation that will empower businesses, revolutionise industries, and bring transformative benefits to society as a whole.”
The New Frontiers stage at MWC Barcelona 2026. Image credit: European Space Agency
The up to €100 million investment put forward by ESA’s Members States at CM25 is part of their subscription to the Agency’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity. Under this programme line, ESA’s aim is to support industry in integrating satellite communications with the connectivity currently enabled by terrestrial networks. The potential benefits of this convergence are far-reaching: mobile and Internet-of-Things connectivity could become consistently available by seamlessly switching from terrestrial to non-terrestrial networks. This ubiquitous connectivity will help bridge the digital divide by improving commercial and consumer applications, for example with access to emergency services and telemedicine, even in remote locations.
Applicants for the 2026 ESA and GSMA Foundry Challenges are now able to submit their projects to be considered for funding and support, as well as the opportunity to showcase their innovation at MWC Barcelona 2027.
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ESA, Airbus, TESAT and TNO set new record for fast and secure optical communications from geostationary orbit
The European Space Agency (ESA), alongside Europe’s Airbus Defence and Space, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), and TESAT, have successful demonstrated laser communications between an aircraft and a geostationary satellite over 36,000 kilometres away.
Test aircraft fitted with UltraAir terminal on the runway. Image credit: Airbus Defence and Space
In a series of flight tests from the Nîmes Airport in France, the jet aircraft equipped with Airbus’ UltraAir laser communication terminal established and maintained a secure laser link with its counterpart in geostationary orbit. On the aircraft, the UltraAir terminal’s mechanical and optical control technology – needed to achieve a stable laser link – was developed by TNO, while its free-space optical link was provided by Airbus subsidiary, TESAT.
Together, these advancements allowed UltraAir to connect with a TDP–1, a testbed for the implementation of optical data links equipped onboard the Alphasat satellite. The TDP-1 Laser Communication Terminal is owned by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is operated by TESAT, in collaboration with ESA.
The Alphasat telecom satellite. Image credit: European Space Agency. Image credit: ESA-S. Corvaja
Optical data links have the potential to enable satellites to rapidly and securely transmit complete data sets in a single burst, a significant improvement over legacy Radio frequency (RF) systems. The UltraAir demonstration flights tested acquisition and tracking abilities for optical links from a moving platform – rather than a static ground station – and established a seamless performance: a bit error free, coherent data rate of 2.6 gigabit per second that remained uninterrupted for several minutes.
This advancement has both civilian and defence applications, providing a secure alternative to RF satellite communications. RF has historically been the backbone of satellite communications, but it can be intercepted, jammed and disrupted by user proliferation and adverse weather – decreasing the integrity and security of data transmissions. In defence, laser communications could help overcome the challenge posed by clouds in multidomain operations and make it harder to intercept communications. In civilian applications, it could enable high–speed data connections with mobile platforms such as passenger airliners, cars and ships to keep passengers connected.
Alphasat TDP1 Optical Communication Terminal. Image credit: TESAT, DLR
“This achievement demonstrates how optical communications can transform secure connectivity for our Member States. Particularly by working to resolve the technical challenges that come with establishing fast laser communications, capable of evading interference and detection in demanding conditions,” said Laurent Jaffart, Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity at ESA. “Collaboration drives innovation, and this milestone will strategically deliver benefits to future missions, where speed and security of data transmission is paramount. For Europe and beyond.”
“Establishing laser links between moving targets at this distance is technically very challenging. Continuous movements, platform vibrations and atmospheric disturbances require extreme precision,” said François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space. “This milestone is a further development of our long successful laser communication history; it opens the door to a new era of laser satellite communications to meet defence and commercial needs in the next decades.”
“This breakthrough proves that our industry strengthens Europe’s security and its autonomy by leading strategic technology in the field of secure laser communications,” said Kees Buijsrogge, Director of Space at TNO.
“Optical communications between airborne users and satellite networks, like ESA’s High-thRoughput Optical Network (HydRON), are high on ESA’s agenda,” said Harald Hauschildt, Head of ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communication Office. “High-data rate, low-latency links that connect High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and aircraft are equally demanded for commercial and resilience driven applications.”
The project was co-funded by Airbus and TNO, with support from the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as part of ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Eutelsat OneWeb teams celebrated a significant milestone in advancing global connectivity solutions as its innovative JoeySat demonstrator satellite marked its second year in orbit. Developed under the ESA Sunrise Partnership Project in collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb and with support from the UK Space Agency and industry from five other ESA Member States, JoeySat has successfully completed its comprehensive two-year test campaign at 3 low Earth orbit altitudes.
Launched into low Earth orbit on 20 May 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, JoeySat is named after the hopping baby kangaroo, mirroring its beam-hopping capabilities. Unlike traditional satellite systems which struggle to efficiently allocate their limited spectral resources to meet various business requirements, JoeySat’s innovative approach directly addresses this challenge through its fully digital payload, which enables rapid switching between different locations.
By enabling dynamic allocation of communication resources, JoeySat enhances global connectivity, supporting emergency response efforts, and contributes to bridging the digital divide. Its successful demonstration paves the way for more resilient and adaptable satellite communication systems, benefiting businesses and citizens across the globe.
Its capabilities have been tested with an innovative ground segment, including a Multi-beam Phased Array Gateway Antenna and various user terminals (portable, aeronautical, and maritime). The 5G Pilot Tests have successfully demonstrated applications ranging from video streaming to Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) solutions, all critical technologies for tomorrow’s business environment. JoeySat’s development using off-the-shelf components and a lean management approach, allowed for rapid development and deployment within just two years of contract signing.
By supporting the development and demonstration of advanced beam-hopping technology, ESA is helping European industry maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving satellite communications market.
“We are proud to be celebrating the second anniversary of JoeySat, the successes it has delivered, and the future innovation we can look forward to. JoeySat showcases how ESA, its Member States and industry can work together to develop and launch in a very short timeframe a satellite enabling organisations and people to access reliable connectivity wherever and whenever they need it”, said Khalil Kably, ESA Telecom Satellite Project Manager.
Guillaume Scottez, Senior Director for Innovation at Eutelsat Group said “JoeySat was a key step in proving new technologies like digital beam hopping and beam-steering-capabilities that underpin our next-generation satellites. We’re grateful to ESA and the UK Space Agency for their support in making this milestone possible.”
“As we mark JoeySat’s second anniversary, we’re proud of how this mission has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in satellite communications,” said Henny Sands, Head of Telecommunications at the UK Space Agency. “It’s a shining example of UK innovation delivering real-world impact and driving forward connectivity solutions.”
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/ How ESA is enabling AI adoption in telecommunicati...
How ESA is enabling AI adoption in telecommunications
The research detailed in the document, outlines how governments, telecommunications operators, and technology developers can integrate AI across terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks to enhance global connectivity and reduce latency. Image credit: Shutterstock
A strategic vision for the future of telecommunications, where artificial intelligence (AI) serves as the cornerstone of next-generation networks, has been presented in a new white paper released by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme. The research detailed in the document, outlines how governments, telecommunications operators, and technology developers can integrate AI across terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks to enhance global connectivity and reduce latency.
The white paper demonstrates how AI is revolutionising network architecture from radio access networks to core infrastructure. The integration of advanced technologies such as federated learning, generative AI and network data analytics functions are proving instrumental in optimising network performance whilst maintaining robust data privacy standards.
Looking towards the horizon of 6G networks, the white paper positions AI as a fundamental building block rather than a mere enhancement. The research explores cutting-edge hardware developments, including quantum advancements and CubeSats, which will serve as crucial enablers for AI-native 6G networks. The concept of AI for the cyber-physical world introduces revolutionary applications such as digital twins and physics-aware AI, promising to reshape network infrastructure management.
ESA is supporting a competitive connectivity industry with interoperable and adopted standards being crucial for this. The research examines AI standardisation through the lens of 3rd Generational Partnership Project (3GPP) efforts, which enables industry-wide alignment. This standardisation framework proves crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse network environments, a key consideration for policymakers working to foster technological innovation whilst maintaining system compatibility.
For decision-makers, the white paper emphasises the importance of strategic investment in AI technologies and advocates for collaborative frameworks to ensure secure and efficient transition to 6G systems. The research underscores the necessity for proactive policy development to support this evolution whilst addressing critical considerations around data privacy, security, and ethical AI deployment.
“AI is transforming lives and businesses across the world. It is crucial that ESA enables and encourages responsible industry-wide adoption to ensure the competitiveness on the global market. The early adoption and strategic alignment with AI-driven telecommunications will be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the global digital economy. ESA is already driving this AI-driven 6G non-terrestrial networks through its 6G Satellite Precursor initiative, supporting European industry to foster positive change for the lives of citizens and enable new opportunities across the economy,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme.
“AI is redefining how networks are designed, operated and optimised, from Radio Access Networks (RANs) and core automation to edge intelligence and user device adaptability. This white paper outlines how AI’s convergence with terrestrial and non-terrestrial network technologies, guided by evolving 3GPP standards, is laying the groundwork for truly intelligent, self-optimising 6G networks. Explainability and transparency will be critical to building AI-native networks that are trustworthy, resilient, scalable, and ready for 6G,” said Ana Stroescu, Internal Research Fellow at ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme, part of the Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate.
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