Space revolution & European challenges

The space industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid expansion of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. Such systems offer global coverage at costs that are increasingly competitive with terrestrial networks. New entrants are thus challenging traditional geostationary satellite operators (GEO), competing in the market for broadband connectivity with VSAT terminals. They are also gradually competing with terrestrial telecom operators, both in fixed broadband access and, soon, in mobile services with "Direct to Device" (D2D) satellite solutions for rural areas.

Driven mainly by the United States, with Starlink, Kuiper and other start-ups, this dynamic represents a twofold challenge for Europe: a risk of loss of competitiveness for its space industry, and growing strategic dependence on American technologies, as shown by the Ukrainian example.

The aim of this conference is to take stock of this new space situation, and to present the responses that Europe is preparing to preserve its sovereignty and boost its competitiveness.

Five presentations are planned:

• The European Space Agency (ESA) will give an overview of the current satellite systems market and explain the projects underway to consolidate European space skills:
  • Jérôme Colinas, Telecommunication Systems Engineer, ESA

• Eutelsat will introduce OneWeb, currently the only operational broadband constellation competing with Starlink, and present the work of the "SpaceRise" consortium of operators developing the future European IRIS2 constellation:
  • Daniele Finocchiaro, Head of R&D & Technology roadmap, Eutelsat

• Thales Alenia Space (TAS) will introduce the "Non-Terrestrial Network" (NTN) version of the 5G standard, chosen for IRIS2, and explain the prospects offered both for the development of terminals and for preparing a true convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks:
  • Romain Bucelle, 5G business development manager, Thales Alenia Space

• The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) will be presenting the frequency regulations being discussed worldwide, which determine certain critical parameters for these new satellite solutions:
  • Gilles Brégant, General Manager, Agence Nationale des Fréquences.

• The interministerial coordinator for the IRIS2 program in France will summarize the opportunities and challenges associated with this European program:
  • Jean-Pierre Diris, Interministerial Coordinator for IRIS2 and Govsatcom

The evening concludes with a round-table discussion featuring all five speakers.