ESA's main telecommunications initiative is the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme. ARTES constitutes a very flexible tool that allows ESA member states and the Agency to perform their respective roles in an optimal manner. Each element within the ARTES programme is geared to progress the technological base behind European and Canadian space industry, forming the foundation for new telecommunications applications. ARTES has already proven to be a robust and flexible legal framework that allows quick responses to the needs of industry. The ARTES initiative is comprised of a wide number of activities, ranging from market studies and competitivity analyses to full system development and technology led activities. ARTES is divided into a number of elements, each of which has a distinct purpose and a different programmatic declaration. In this manner different modalities of participation can be incorporated within the programme. New elements are generated in response to market requirements. This 5 minute A-roll gives an overview to ESA?s 21st century satellite communications strategy and is complemented by a longer B-roll with clean international sound