Space is today an integral part of the Digital Society serving citizens, businesses and governments in pursuit of their everyday, business, strategic and emergency objectives.  Satellites for instance support the delivery of video services, services to mobile communities or high capacity backhaul in regions in and around the EU (e.g. Africa).  The European Commission’s  “Space Strategy for Europe” in 2016 has established the strategic goals of ensuring the integration of space into society and the economy and of fostering a globally competitive and innovative space sector. The Space Strategy is a key tool to ensure that satellite further contributes to the next generation telecommunications networks in bringing digital opportunities to everyone, everywhere.  

 

How do satellite communications develop today, and what is their role? Why is it critical to rely on a mix of technologies to address future connectivity needs? How can Europe leverage its world leadership in satellite communications to ensure that future 5G networks are at once inclusive, resilient and sustainable?

 

Here is just a sample of areas worth exploring together.