Space for 5G and 6G

5G and 6G are the next two generations of cellular connectivity and the next big leap forward for terrestrial and satellite telecommunications.

They will allow us to be connected to everything, everywhere, at any time and nearly any speed. Satellites and space technologies are instrumental to build and operate such future 5G and 6G networks. They offer unique advantages in terms of security, resilience, coverage, and mobility; they remain the only way to make 5G and 6G available everywhere, accessible to enterprises and citizens all across Europe. ESA`s strategic programme line Space for 5G & 6G demonstrates the essential nature of satellites for 5G and 6G. It sets the standards and frameworks for hybrid and downstream interoperability, as well as the base for integrating terrestrial networks with satellites.

We build innovation hubs and testbeds for 5G and 6G pilots and trials.

We draw technology and product roadmaps; we support and foster the development of integrated value-added applications and services. Space for 5G & 6G:

We help overcome the digital divide.

We connect Europe.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at 5g@esa.int

 

OUR ACTIVITIES

Space for 5G Space for 6G Space for 5G/6G

 

Related Links

ESA-STAR Publication System

2024 Overview

2024 Work Plan

 

 

NEWS AND EVENTS

ESA showcases German space-enabled 6G connectivity capabilities

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…

ESA expands 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network cooperation with South Korea

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…

ESA begins development of European 6G capabilities

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…

European Space Agency launches Non-Terrestrial Network Forum

ESA’s Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Forum, a not-for-profit organisation that kicked off in July 2024, has brought together over 288 global experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders to advance the development and…

ESA pioneers satellite-enhanced vehicle-to-everything connectivity to boost Europe's automotiv…

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…

European Space Agency partner with Nokia to develop 5G-enabled low-latency solutions

To meet growing connectivity needs, the European Space Agency’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme line, in collaboration with the UK Space Agency (UKSA), has awarded a development contract to…

European Space Agency and the Seamless Air Alliance partner to accelerate space-based te…

On 24 July at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, ESA signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA).

European Space Agency reinforces role of Non-Terrestrial Networks as part of global 6G vision

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G Programme Office co-organised the first ETSI Conference, which focused on how Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) will natively integrate with Terrestrial Networks (TN…

European Space Agency's Space for 5G/6G team co-winners of the Satellite Technology of the Year Award

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G programme line, part of the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, contributed to the winning team at the SATELLITE 2024 conference in Washington DC,…

Agenda released for European Space Agency co-organised “Non-Terrestrial Networks,…

The agenda for an ETSI event co-organised with the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Space for 5G/6G programme on integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into 6G systems, has been released and will allow for industry and…

5G/6G Hub’s metaverse to connect industry and academia online and at Mobile World Congress

In an effort to showcase the European Space Agency's (ESA) work in the integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, engineers of the Space for 5G/6G programme line have created a virtual environment based on the GSMA…

European Space Agency’s 5G/6G Hub takes part in real-world demonstration of key t…

A real-world demonstration of a key technology, being developed in partnership with the European Space Agency's (ESA) Space for 5G/6G programme line, has been conducted by advanced networking and laser communications technologies company Aalyria…