Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES)
From the densest cities to the most isolated communities, satellite services are creating a more connected world where distance is no longer a barrier to communication and collaboration. By investing in space innovation today, we're working towards our mission to connect everyone, everywhere, at all times.
Through ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, we're developing innovative satellite technologies that improve daily life across Europe and beyond. While fostering a competitive European and Canadian space industry, ARTES focuses on creating practical solutions that benefit society.
Services using space capabilities benefit society daily and on a global and local scale, such as improving education in rural areas, assisting search and rescue, providing remote healthcare and monitoring natural resources and the environment.
With ESA’s support, companies can pursue research and development that would otherwise not be economically viable. Advancing new space-enabled applications and services stimulates the wider economy, creating new business and jobs across almost every industry. Through ARTES, we turn innovative ideas into real-world satellite solutions, supporting projects from early research through to market-ready services.
ARTES includes strategic and generic programme lines. Strategic programme lines target specific technological domains and applications that ESA has identified as crucial for Europe's future in space-enabled connectivity. Generic programme lines, on the other hand, provide flexible support mechanisms that can be applied across the entire telecommunications sector.
ARTES strategic programme lines (SPL):
- Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) develops and implements secure satellite communication systems to enhance the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure, including transportation networks and governmental operations.
- Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity advances the integration of 5G and future 6G satellite and terrestrial networks to enable seamless global connectivity, supporting Europe's digital transformation.
- Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight pioneers next-generation optical and quantum technologies for satellite communications, focusing on ultra-secure connectivity and the seamless integration of space assets into terrestrial networks.
ARTES generic programme lines (GPL):
- Industrial competitivenessprovides funding and expertise to develop innovative satellite communication products and services, enabling organisations to transform promising concepts into market-ready solutions through the entire development cycle.
- Partnership Projects establishes long-term collaborations with private companies and satellite operators to develop major satellite communications systems and services, sharing investment risks to accelerate market introduction.
- Technology and Products helps maintain and improve the capabilities and competitiveness of European and Canadian industry through the development of innovative technology and services.
- Future Preparation identifies new market opportunities, defines technology development needs, and supports standardisation efforts to ensure European and Canadian competitiveness in the evolving satellite telecommunications sector.
ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC) works alongside other public entities such as the European Union, Eurocontrol and the European Investment Bank. It also collaborates on various levels with national space agencies across ESA's Member States.
Find out more about ARTES 4.0 here.