TAMPA, Fla. — The European Space Agency announced up to 100 million euros ($118 million) in funding March 2 for projects promising to accelerate the convergence of satellite and terrestrial communications.
The funding will be distributed in partnership with GSMA Foundry, the mobile industry association’s innovation platform that connects operators, vendors and startups to develop and commercialize new technologies.
“By combining the reach of the mobile industry with ESA’s space expertise, we are unlocking a new era of connectivity,” GSMA chief technology officer Alex Sinclair said in a statement.
He also pointed to live demonstrations taking place this week during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, that aim to highlight direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, early 6G capabilities and AI-enabled non-terrestrial network orchestration.
The new funding targets four areas:
- Applying AI to manage spectrum and traffic across multi-orbit satellite and terrestrial networks.
- Advancing standards-based D2D connectivity for smartphones and Internet of Things devices.
- Expanding collaborative 5G/6G hybrid network testbeds.
- Supporting early-stage 6G technologies, including edge computing that processes data closer to end users and advanced machine-to-machine and industrial connectivity services, where satellite integration is expected to play a key role.
Funding is open to entities established in ESA Member States and cooperating countries, provided their projects align with 3GPP mobile industry standards.
ESA first partnered with GSMA Foundry in 2024 to link its space-based connectivity programs with the mobile sector, establishing industry-led challenges and demonstrations focused on satellite-terrestrial integration.
The expanded collaboration comes amid broader moves in Europe to strengthen its position in the emerging D2D market, where U.S.-based SpaceX is rapidly scaling services through partnerships with terrestrial telcos and expanded access to mobile and satellite spectrum.
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