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The EU needs autonomous, secure, resilient and high-speed, space-based connectivity to satisfy the requirements of its institutions, bodies, agencies and Member States. 

Answering that need is secure SATCOM.

That was one of the key takeaways from a recent EUSPA webinar on secure SATCOM in the Union. Entitled ‘Secure SATCOM in the EU – A Comprehensive Overview’ and with a focus on market opportunities and technological trends, the 12 December webinar was geared towards those small businesses and enterprises looking to leverage this strategic and fast-growing sector.

Market opportunities and technological trends

Citing its recently published Secure SATCOM Market and User Technology Report, which has already recorded over 6,000 downloads, EUSPA noted that user demand for fixed satellite services (FSS) in the EU will increase by a factor of 14 between 2025 and 2040, reaching around 186 Gbps by 2040. 

Presenters also highlighted how the Key Infrastructure category is set to generate the highest level of demand, representing around 50% of total capacity demand by 2040. The two largest use cases within this segment are Institutional Communications and Other Critical Infrastructures.

User demand for secure SATCOM from mobile satellite services (MSS), on the other hand, is expected to increase from around 1.2 Gbps (2025) to 3.9 Gbps (2040), with the majority coming from the maritime surveillance use case.

Looking ahead, EUSPA noted that new digital technologies, along with new market players, will impact both the demand for and use of secure SATCOM services. The Agency also presented examples of how such dynamics could impact the way these services are utilised within various use cases.   

Secure SATCOM within the EU Space Programme

The webinar included an in-depth overview of the secure SATCOM components of the EU Space Programme. These include GOVSATCOM, which aims to provide secure and cost-efficient communications capabilities to security and safety-critical missions and operations, along with the recently launched IRIS² initiative. That programme will offer secure, reliable and cost-effective satellite communication services for authorised government users and facilitate commercial services.

Be part of our emerging end-user network focusing on secure satellite communications! 

As to GOVSATCOM, EUSPA has been entrusted with several preparatory activities, including the establishment, growth, coordination and management of the network of future EU secure Satellite Communication users. The network, coordinated by EUSPA and managed by the EUSPA-led ENTRUSTED project, aims to compile and understand user needs and define a detailed roadmap for developing innovative user technology. It is the continuation of the previously established network of users in the ENTRUSTED project.

According to the EUSPA Market Downstream and Innovation representative, this new network of users will have access to a wide range of opportunities, from sharing experiences to discussing and assessing innovative use cases and requirements and identifying challenges and opportunities for the use of secure SATCOM. The network also plans to launch pilot activities and hold workshops and training opportunities. 

If you're interested, send an email to join the new network at ENTRUSTED@euspa.europa.eu. It is open for all end-users.

Synergies and funding opportunities 

The webinar closed with a brief overview of the synergies that exist across the EU Space Programme which, in addition to SATCOM (GOVSATCOM and in the future IRIS2), includes GNSS (Galileo, EGNOS) and Earth Observation (Copernicus).

EUSPA also announced several funding opportunities, including GOVSATCOM specific HORIZON Europe calls.   

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Think you have what it takes to solve some of today’s most pressing issues using EU Space? If your answer is an unequivocal ‘challenge accepted’, then the CASSINI Challenges are open for your prototypes and/or products. 

The CASSINI Challenges aim to support the development of innovative commercial solutions – such as mobile apps or hardware-based solutions – that leverage EU Space data from Galileo and/or Copernicus. 

Prototypes and products wanted

If the Idea Track is now closed with more than 100 proposals received, we are now looking for prototypes and products. 

You can submit till 9 February your prototype under the "Submission of a Prototype" track. The application should showcase a tested solution in a relevant environment, detailing its typical use case, addressing customer needs, and highlighting the value proposition. The targeted Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for applications in this track is TRL4-TRL7.

For the Product Track, submission is expected on 19 April. More details can be found here. 

Still EUR 800 thousand in prize money on the table!

Choose your challenge!

One of the three thematic challenges have to be addressed when proposing your prototype or your product: 

1. Next Generation Challenge: applicants are asked to leverage Galileo and Copernicus data to craft value adding solutions to improve the well-being, safety, security and connectivity of EU citizens.
2. Sustainable Future Challenge: participants are tasked with developing innovative solutions for the conservation of ecosystems, sustainable agriculture and management of energy and resources.
3. Emerging Technologies Challenge: innovators must develop disruptive solutions combining EU Space data with deep technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum technologies (quantum computing, sensing, simulation, encryption, etc.), Blockchain technology and Extended Reality or the Metaverse (Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR).

EUSPA’s got your back 

For those ready to accept the challenge, you can find all the information you need – including the contest timeline, criteria, rules and application process – here. 

If you’re still on the fence about applying, know this: throughout the entire competition, you’ll have the full support of EUSPA’s team of Market Development experts, who will offer advice and guidance to participants. You can also attend the webinar planned on January 23rd. 

If that’s not enough to send you searching for the ‘apply now’ button, you’ll also have access to our treasure trove of tools, market intelligence and publications, including such titles as the EO and GNSS Market Report, GNSS User Technology Report, EU Space for Green Transformation and the GNSS Investment Report – amongst others. 

Say it with us: ‘Challenge accepted’

Think you have what it takes to be the next SeaCras or Orioos? 

Not only did these two past winners go on to become successful companies, today they’re making a real impact on society – all while using the data and services coming from EU Space. 

Accept the CASSINI Challenge and apply today! 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).