{"id":10814,"date":"2024-11-06T10:26:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T10:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/?p=10814"},"modified":"2026-06-30T14:25:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:25:39","slug":"exploring-the-future-of-space-tech-and-sustainability-with-esas-vision-for-a-converged-connected-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/gsma-foundry\/esa\/exploring-the-future-of-space-tech-and-sustainability-with-esas-vision-for-a-converged-connected-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Future of Space Tech and Sustainability with ESA\u2019s Vision for a Converged, Connected World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The GSMA Foundry<\/a> has embarked on an exciting initiative to showcase innovation in the telecommunications sector, aiming to counter the perception that the sector lacks rapid innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a series of Innovation Spotlight interviews, the GSMA Foundry aims to highlight groundbreaking developments and investment opportunities, with over 700 mobile operators globally seeking new innovations. This initiative serves as a pipeline to demonstrate that the telco sector is indeed innovative and vibrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the recent Innovation Spotlight #4 session, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared insights into the future of space innovation and global telecommunications. Antonio Franchi, a leading expert in telecommunications and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), highlighted ESA\u2019s mission to drive connectivity and innovation. Learn more about our parternship with ESA here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESA’s Vision for Telecommunications and Space<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

ESA, funded by 22 European nations, plays a vital role in advancing space R&D, from satellite telecommunications to planetary exploration. Antonio highlighted ESA’s commitment to enhancing European space competitiveness with a budget of \u20ac7 billion and partnerships with global entities like NASA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NTNs represent a paradigm shift, extending terrestrial networks using satellites to provide connectivity in underserved regions. Antonio discussed the emergence of “mega-constellations” of low-Earth orbit satellites, which have reduced latency and costs, making NTNs accessible and essential in the global telecom landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Technological Advancements and Challenges<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Direct-to-Device Connectivity<\/strong>
Antonio outlined the transformative potential of direct-to-device connectivity, where mobile devices connect directly to satellites, removing reliance on ground infrastructure. This innovation, seen at events like MWC<\/a>, requires collaboration between mobile operators and satellite providers and adherence to standards like 3GPP for integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geographic vs. Population Coverage<\/strong>
Satellite and terrestrial industries define \u201ccoverage\u201d differently, with satellite networks emphasising geographic coverage\u2014vital for maritime, autonomous shipping, and remote applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps Toward Unified Global Connectivity<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Antonio emphasised the need for unified standards and business models. ESA supports collaboration via the Global Satellite Alliance, fostering shared frameworks for integrating terrestrial and satellite networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has pioneered standards to integrate NTNs with terrestrial networks, enabling broader compatibility and advancing interoperability across the telecom landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting Innovation Through Community and Partnerships<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The GSMA has launched an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) community<\/a> to foster collaboration between terrestrial and satellite operators, aiming to define standards and create innovative solutions. ESA is supporting this initiative through funding and technical support for projects integrating terrestrial and satellite networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the GSMA’s NTN community, ESA supports projects that integrate satellite and terrestrial networks, particularly for user device solutions in mobile and maritime applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, during MWC 2024 the GSMA Foundry and ESA launched two key challenges to accelerate NTN integration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n