For planet earth and beyond
ESA, together with a Starion-led industrial consortium, has marked a significant milestone in quantum communications technology with the successful implementation of a terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) link.
Satellite 5G capabilities are growing in their importance across businesses and society. ESA’s 5G-HOST-SAT (5G Hub Over-The-Air Vertical Segment Validations) project is working to support the digitisation and greening of the agriculture, through the enhancement of existing services with 5G and satellite connectivity.
ESA’s 5G-EMERGE project, as part of its Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme, is expanding its scope to meet the growing needs of media distribution as it moves into its second phase.
ESA is working with Forsway, a provider of cost-efficient hybrid satellite terrestrial solutions and equipment for broadband connectivity, to develop a two-way/ hybrid satellite connectivity system.
As part of ESA’s Pacis 3 project, the X-Band receive active antenna (RX) developed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space Spain and Airbus CRISA distributed electronic units (which manage spacecraft energy sources while protecting power distribution), have successfully completed their full acceptance testing.
Digitalisation and interoperability in satellite ground segments is crucial to growing a more competitive and flexible satcom sector. ESA came together with nine companies during the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) European Plugfest event on Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, UK.
ESA is a key driver of 5G and 6G technologies, with 6G technologies still in the middle of their research and development and pre-standardisation phases. These challenges and opportunities will be shared by ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line at the 12th FOKUS FUSECO Forum in Berlin, hosted by Fraunhofer FOKUS (Institute for Open Communication Systems).
ESA’s Smart-Connect project, as part of ESA’s Civil Security from Space (CSS) programme, is expanding its capabilities in meeting the challenges faced when terrestrial telecommunications channels are disrupted during crises events, by bringing in an additional three companies to the consortium.
ESA is continuing its commitment to strengthening international cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of 5G/6G communications with the Satcom Forum of South Korea, a group of 41 leading Korean companies including LG, Intellian and KT SAT.
ESA is looking to the future of connectivity, selecting Open Cosmos to be the platform operator and manufacturer of its 6G satellite precursor. The project is funded under its Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme.