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Satellite connectivity keeps people, vehicles and critical infrastructure connected, whether in remote areas or travelling by car, boat or aircraft. It also provides another way to stay connected where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing technologies for the next generation of secure and resilient satellite communications. These include high-speed optical links and quantum-secure communications, satellite-enabled 5G and 6G, direct connectivity between satellites and smartphones, alongside technologies addressing increasing pressure on radio-frequency spectrum.

ESA is shaping these developments through programmes including ARTES and the ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity, while Moonlight takes connectivity beyond Earth by developing telecommunications and navigation services for missions on and around the Moon. These services will support future lunar exploration and help prepare the way for missions through the Solar System.

€20 billion economic impact on EU and CA for a week without satcom
73% of satellites in orbit in 2025 were for satcom
€1.2 billion by 2040: expected satcom revenue
>700 projects in satcom supported by ESA

Latest news

[ Latest news ]
Illustration of three ERMIS technology demonstration CubeSats in orbit
03 NOV. 2026

CubeSat achieves challenging laser link to ground

Despite it being a complex operation, ERMIS-3, an 8U CubeSat developed by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, has established a link with an optical ground station marking an important step in validating optical communications on small satellites. The demonstration, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and achieved using optical terminals developed by Lithuanian company Astrolight, happened only weeks after the satellite’s commissioning.
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[ Secure Satellite Connectivity ]
ESA ScyLight programme patch
12 OCT. 2026

One beam, many possibilities: the ScyLight programme patch

On Earth, we are surrounded by light. In the darkness of space, light is becoming one of the most valuable resources.
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[ Resilience Navigation and Connectivity ]
Phoenix Partnership Project signature at ESA's Headquarters in Paris, France
23 SEP. 2026

ESA supports development of European spacecraft for servicing geostationary satellites

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with ClearSpace to advance the design and maturation of a spacecraft aimed at extending the operational life of satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). Signed on 22 September, the contract marks the next phase of the Phoenix Partnership Project, which aims to lay the foundations for a recurring commercial in-orbit servicing solution in Europe.
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[ Resilience Navigation and Connectivity ]
Group Picture beginning of the Consolidation Phase of ESA Low-LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities
17 SEP. 2026

ESA starts next phase of IRIS² evolution through Low-LEO activities

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed 18 consolidation contracts bringing together nearly 80 companies to study new secure and resilient connectivity services. The contracts also cover associated mission concepts and aim to shape the future of the EU's secure connectivity constellation – IRIS² – which will provide Europeans with resilient communications, when and where it matters most.
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Missions and Programmes

ESA's satellite communications missions and programmes focus on providing reliable connectivity across the globe and enabling secure communications where needed.

[ Resilience Navigation and Connectivity ]
IRIS² for EU secure connectivity

ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity - IRIS²

ESA is cooperating with the European Commission, European industry and EUSPA, to develop the third EU flagship space programme: the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²)
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[ Resilience Navigation and Connectivity ]
Space Systems for Safety & Security

Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S)

The programme fosters development of innovative secure, resilient and sovereign satellite communication systems supporting governmental/critical applications for Member States and EU.
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Hydron: the fibre of the sky

Latest images

[ Resilience ]
Artificial rendering Phoenix approaching to dock
23 SEP. 2026

Artificial rendering Phoenix approaching to dock

Artificial rendering Phoenix approaching to dock. Credit: ClearSpace
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[ Resilience ]
ESA and ClearSpace representatives at the signature related to the Phoenix Partnership Project
23 SEP. 2026

ESA and ClearSpace representatives at the signature related to the Phoenix Partnership Project

Phoenix is supported by several ESA Member States, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. The delegates of these Member States are pictured here, alongside ESA and ClearSpace representatives.
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[ Resilience ]
Phoenix Partnership Project signature at ESA's Headquarters in Paris, France
23 SEP. 2026

Phoenix Partnership Project signature at ESA's Headquarters in Paris, France

Phoenix Partnership Project signature at ESA's Headquarters in Paris, France
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Latest videos

Work with us

Do you want to join us in shaping the future of European satellite connectivity? From contracts and workshops to industry events, discover the ways you can work with us.

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ESA links with Japan for speedy and secure communications

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