June 3, 2025
Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity
Space for 5G/6G quick links
5G – and the next-generation 6G – are providing the next big leap forward for terrestrial and satellite telecommunications
Market Fit
Connectivity has become the backbone of the modern world, and its evolution a key indicator and driver of growth in the economy. As such, connectivity needs to be efficient, reliable, and constantly improving to lead and support the increasingly digital world.
The rollout and uptake of 5G and 6G at full speed will deliver the required attributes and connectivity fabric, which will enable the digitalization of industry and society. By 2035, the annual global economic output enabled by the 5G/6G economy is expected to contribute trillions of euros, and since 2025 the number of 5G mobile subscriptions has reached almost 3 billion. To deliver on its promises and to fulfil expectations, 5G and 6G will require ubiquitous and uninterrupted coverage at unprecedented capacity, which terrestrial networks alone cannot guarantee.
Satellite networks have unique attributes in geographically distributed and dynamic networks, that can complement and integrate with ground-based communications to ensure that the benefits of 5G and future 6G are not just limited to urban areas. 5G/6G based satellite-terrestrial networks will address markets that are currently difficult to serve, thus solving crucial challenges.
2.8 billion
Number of 5G mobile subscriptions in 2025
€11.4 trillion
Annual global economic output expected by 2035
Source: IHS Markit
Many vertical markets will be enhanced and enabled by 5G/6G connectivity, each having different requirements and quality of service criteria, making the use of satellite technologies key to address them all. Some examples of such verticals include:.
5G activities and partnership projects
Competitiveness & Growth
Core Competitiveness
Space for 5G
Advanced Technology
Core Competitiveness
System/ Network/ Protocols
Competitiveness & Growth
Core Competitiveness
Space for 5G
3-9
TRL level
100s of millions €
Max funding
What Ideas are we looking for?
For the best chance of success in securing funding via the ARTES programme and provided all other conditions are met, submissions for the Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme should be in line with the following specific requirements:
Innovative services and applications that benefit industry, society and the environment in the context of the future 5G- and 6G-based economy.
Activities and partnerships to develop multi-orbit hybrid 5G and 6G networks and user terminals.
Projects that extend service coverage to unserved areas and ensure service continuity for all users.
Activities that contribute to the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and direct-to-device connectivity.
Aligned with Europe’s 5G/6G strategy, supported by the UK Space Agency
ESA 5G/6G Hub
Supported by the UK Space Agency, the main purpose of our 5G/6G Hub – based at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) – to host companies from the 5G/6G ecosystem, to partner with ESA to partner with ESA to test their technology and discover how satellite and terrestrial communication networks can converge to create and support innovative applications and services.
Working with our partners towards the 6G era
Space for 6G
The 6G era is expected to meet extraordinary requirements in our global economy due to the continuous need for technological evolution. 6G will lead to new IoT and AI services that will harness social and environmental topics to achieve large-scale sustainable impact and disruptive technological advances in society.
Joining stakeholders, identifying use cases, overcoming barriers
NTN Forum
Created by ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme, the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Forum provides a platform for all stakeholders to foster collective actions towards the harmonious, non-discriminatory and market-driven development and implementation of NTN solutions – for 5G and 6G systems and related services.
Connecting everyone, everywhere, by any means
Direct-to-device (D2D)
Direct-to-device (D2D) services are set to become a cornerstone of both 5G and 6G architectures, bridging coverage gaps, enhancing resilience, and unlocking new services directly to everyday devices such as smartphones, wearables, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. As the demand for ubiquitous, resilient, and cost-effective connectivity intensifies, D2D has emerged as a practical and scalable solution to reach users beyond the limits of terrestrial networks.
A digital transformation project, that converges satellite services with online delivery
5G-EMERGE
A project that aims to converge satellite distribution with online media delivery, leveraging satellite’s unique capability of distributing popular content in a cost-efficient manner over a large region with operationally superior quality that avoids congested interconnection hubs.
End users will be able to enjoy superior streaming applications providing live and on demand offerings from multiple Content Providers using normal applications on their own internet connected devices.
Ensuring critical technologies for next generation 5G connectivity
Sunrise
The Sunrise Partnership Project demonstrates the ambition of ESA, Eutelsat Group, and our industrial partners to offer unparalleled seamless commercial telecommunication connectivity services on a global scale, based on cutting-edge technologies while adopting an efficient ‘new space’ approach. It allows European Industry to be a major player in the competitive 5G deployment race.
RELATED NEWS
RELATED LINKS & CONTACS
CONTACT
Antonio Franchi
ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT)
Fermi Avenue
Harwell, Didcot, OX11 0FD, United Kingdom
+44 (0)7775 426521
Antonio.Franchi@esa.int
