ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G

Establishing seamless ubiquitous and resilient connectivity is vital in the context of emerging technologies. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology and the next big leap forward for terrestrial and satellite telecommunications. 5G will drive a convergence of fixed and mobile services, introduce a new set of technologies and standards, and create a network of networks to facilitate communications between anyone and anything. 

5G boosts connectivity, generates business and brings added value to consumers and citizens. ESA, European industry and the EU join forces to integrate satellite technologies into communications networks to accelerate the rollout, reach and impact of 5G—and beyond 5G into 6G—and to deliver fully hybrid networks to Europe and the world.

ESA’s flagship 5G/6G Hub was developed in collaboration with industry at our ECSAT facility in Harwell, UK.  The Hub is a centre for innovation and demonstration, tailored to meet the growing demands of stakeholders, operators and all users of technology. It features demonstration rooms on space travel, the digitalisation of planetary and human health, and an engineering suite that houses our network capabilities and satellite uplinks.

Collaborations with industrial partners play a pivotal role in ESA's efforts to advance the digital transformation of industry and society, thanks to the integration of 5G/6G terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

How to work with ESA ARTES 4.0

What is Space for 5G? 

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology and the next big leap forward for terrestrial and satellite telecommunications. 5G will drive a convergence of fixed and mobile services, introduce a new set of technologies and standards, and create a network of networks to facilitate communications between anyone and anything.

Space integration with 5G is pivotal, extending the reach and reliability of terrestrial networks to support global connectivity, enabling everything from remote operations to seamless data exchange. This is a major opportunity for the space sector to deliver a significant part of the future generation of communications, networks, and services. To truly make 5G the next global connectivity infrastructure, hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks are paramount, as they provide key attributes such as:

• Ubiquitous coverage: reaching areas where terrestrial 5G cell towers are scarce or non-existent, for 100% coverage. 
• Seamless connectivity: allowing seamless transfer from terrestrial networks to satellite networks, with no service interruption for the user 
• Network resilience: assured connectivity for critical applications and instances where terrestrial networks are compromised.

Objectives of ESA's Space for 5G

As part of ESA’s commitment to supporting innovation and competitiveness in the European industry, “Space for 5G and 6G” has become a strategic programme line for ESA. A key element of the programme line is the ESA 5G/6G Hub on the ECSAT site, providing a platform to showcase the latest in 5G/6G innovation in an interactive experience.

The main objectives of the Strategic Programme Line (SPL), as it relates to 5G are:

Achieve full integration of satellite with terrestrial 5G networks 

• Demonstrate added value of space in 5G-based services and applications. 
• Develop satellite communication products to be integrated in 5G networks. 
• Develop testbeds to be used in trials and pilots, particularly with vertical industry stakeholders. 
• Support the downstream sector in developing applications based on space and 5G. 
• Demonstrate multi-technology, multi-provider and multi-region (global) integration. 

Engage verticals in 5G integrated (satellite and terrestrial) pilots 

• Engage with (business) user communities to develop specific initiatives showcasing benefits of space and 5G. 
• Engage terrestrial actors in pilots, both Mobile Network Operators and Telecom Equipment Drive standardization activities to ensure full inclusion of satellite in 5G standards.

ESA's 5G activity areas 

To successfully meet the objectives of the SPL, an approach covering multiple activities across various domains is necessary. Therefore, to achieve the integration of satellite in 5G, seven activity areas have been identified:

Promote 5G 

Produce and execute a promotion and communication campaign in order to increase the awareness of satellite in 5G.

Develop global 5G Testbeds 

Use existing ESA 5G testbeds as a platform to promote inter-working with other regional 5G testbeds, as well as a platform for performance validations and pilots of various 5G vertical markets. Other testbeds will be developed and integrated as required.

5G Technology Development 

Address technology limitations for a widespread adoption of satcom in 5G. This activity covers all 5G-related product developments, including space segment, ground segment and system activities, across their product lifecycle (definition, technology, product and demonstrations phase). 

5G Technology and Service Systems 

For technology, the focus is on specific 5G missions/projects covering developments, testing and validations, mainly in infrastructure. For service, the focus is on end-to-end product and service developments.

5G Business Applications 

Development of applications that take advantage of the new capabilities offered by 5G to address new markets. Pilot demonstrations to show-case integrated space and terrestrial 5G technologies operating in the application context of the vertical business segments.

5G Regional Partnerships 

Partner with local/regional user communities and dedicated 5G initiatives to show-case 5G benefits in services ready for operational deployments in cities or rural areas.

Institutional regulation and standardisation 

Promote and support 5G in various regulatory bodies. Support standardisation to ensure satellite is part of the 5G standard.

How to work with the ARTES 5G/6G programme

Please see the 'How to work with us’ section on the ARTES pages for an overview of all ways how your organisation can benefit from collaborating with ESA. 

How to work with ESA ARTES 4.0