ESA is supporting the future of automotive connectivity through its “V2X (vehicle to everything – where a vehicle shares its information with other vehicles and smart systems using wireless connectivity) – services demonstration over satellite” project.
This collaboration not only seeks to enhance vehicle connectivity but also reinforce Germany, through the projects industrial consortium, and Europe’s leadership in space telecommunications and the automotive sector.
The consortium, led by OHB System AG, aims to integrate satellite technology with terrestrial 5G networks to explore how satellites can enhance communication systems for uninterrupted connectivity across hard-to-reach areas and national borders, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a connected, autonomous future.
The project draws on the expertise from the the German Space Agency at DLR, marking another step in which space and automotive sectors are coming together to improve life on Earth through space. Satellites in orbit will complement and support existing 5G networks across Europe, with the aim to develop cross-border communications. These capabilities will form the foundations for future developments in autonomous driving, remote vehicle access and emergency response systems.
While current terrestrial communications systems often face interruptions as vehicles cross borders, V2X will provide uninterrupted connectivity via satellite technology.
The V2X project will bring together leading organisations in the automotive and connectivity sector, including the Fraunhofer -Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen IIS, MediaMobil Communication GmbH, Deutsche Telekom Business Solutions GmbH, jember GmbH, with BMW AG as an associated partner. The collaboration will explore bidirectional direct communications between vehicles and satellites, opening new possibilities for data exchange, such as sending real-time information about road conditions or air quality.
“V2X is a perfect fit for our vision of a connected, autonomous future. We are delighted to be the prime for this transformative project. By integrating satellites in terrestrial 5G networks, we will be able to deliver modern applications that can reshape the automotive and mobility landscape in the future. Satellite communications are essential for achieving secure and uninterrupted communications,” says Ariane Wyen, Director of Technology Development Projects for Telecom, Navigation and Defense at OHB System AG.
“The V2X mission exemplifies ESA's commitment to leveraging space technology for terrestrial innovation. By integrating satellite communications with 5G networks, we're paving the way for seamless connectivity that will transform the automotive industry and beyond,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office at ESA.
“We're proud to support the V2X mission, which exemplifies Germany’s strengths across the space and automotive sectors. This integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial network solution opens up a world of possibilities and we look forward to seeing future applications emerge,” said Moritz Hermann, coordinator for the German contribution to ESA's Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme at the German Space Agency at DLR.
The V2X project is part of the ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme, which seeks to advance the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks. This programme is crucial for Europe’s digital transformation, supporting a wide range of applications from autonomous vehicles to telemedicine.
