Direct-to-device connectivity from space and why we need it: ESA releases new white paper

17 Sep 2025

ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications has released a new white paper – published under the Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) – that explores how European industry as well as lawmakers can capitalise on the opportunities created by advancing direct-to-device (D2D) technology; from sustainability solutions; all the way to disaster response.

ESA and SNS JU 6G-SANDBOX join forces to pioneer large-scale non-terrestrial network trials

16 Sep 2025

A set of large-scale non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) trials aiming to showcase the vast utility of space-based 5G and 6G communications are set to be conducted across Europe as a part of the European Commission’s SNS JU 6G-SANDBOX project. ESA's Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme has joined the initiative to lend its portfolio of 5G and 6G NTN expertise. ESA is also inviting companies and research institutions working in this domain, who are engaged in current or previous ESA contracts, to take part in the trials.  

Quantum-enabled communications coming to Europe: ESA signs contract with Honeywell for delivery of QKDSat project

16 Sep 2025

The next step towards quantum-enabled sovereign and secure connectivity for Europe was made this week, as Honeywell signed a contract with the European Space Agency initiating the delivery phase of the Quantum Key Distribution Satellite (QKDSat) Partnership Project. The signature took place during the World Space Business Week on 16 September, between the Director of ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, Laurent Jaffart, and Honeywell Vice President and General Manager for Space, Lisa Napolitano.

JoeySat Celebrates its Second Anniversary

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.

How ESA is enabling AI adoption in telecommunications

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 whitepaper released by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme.

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