ARTES4.0 - Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems

The ARTES4.0 programme is a long-standing backbone programme serving ESA Member States’ industry and institutions, supporting technology, product and service developments in satellite connectivity. The programme puts an emphasis on:

• Supporting European industrial competitiveness globally
• Addressing growing end user and societal needs for resilient terrestrial-integrated connectivity, secure communications and increased European sovereignty, and
• Regaining or establishing European leadership in key strategic areas that will deliver the greatest economic return.

To realise these goals, the programme consists of general and strategic programme lines (GPLs, SPLs) each with a different focus area but a common set of rules.

Schematic overview of ARTES4.0 GPLs and SPLs

GPL IC - Industrial Competitiveness
The new GPL Industrial Competitiveness integrates what were formerly two separate GPLs: the Partnership Projects and Core Competitiveness programme lines. With their integration, ESA strives to simplify the ARTES4.0 structure and improve flexibility. The Industrial Competitiveness programme line consists of:

• Technology and Products, where technology development is supported from initial idea to full-fledged products or services. It is comprised of:
• Advanced Technology (AT): yearly work plans to support R&D related to critical and emerging technologies at funding up to 100%. The Work Plans are prepared by ESA in consultation with member-states in Q3 each year and approved in JCB in September. The workplans are published on the ESA website, and activities are published throughout the year on esa-star.
• Competitiveness & Growth (C&G): industry-initiated technology, products and satcom applications development activities to advance legacy product portfolios and introduce new competitive solutions. Projects can grow along with the maturity of the solution from low to high TRL/MRL through contract changes (CCN). Funding levels range ‘up to’ 50-75%.
• Partnership Projects, either ESA- or industry-initiated: support the development of sustainable end-to-end systems up to in-orbit validation (space, ground, and user segments).

Each of the three SPLs described hereinafter employs the same toolbox as the Industrial Competitiveness GPL. Each covers space, ground and user segments in the associated strategic domain. Belgium participates to all three SPLs.

SPL 5G – Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity
The SPL 5G/6G supports development of products and services using 5G and 6G through the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks. The programme builds innovative hubs and testbeds, while drawing technology and product roadmaps. The SPL offers the same programmatic tools as the Industrial Competitiveness GPL, see above.

SPL 4S – Space Systems for Safety and Security
By working closely with user communities, institutions and industries with special attention given to reinforcing European supply chains, the SPL 4S transforms space technology into European or Canadian designed, manufactured and deployed operational systems that bolster non-dependence in a critical field for safer and more resilient societies. The SPL offers the same programmatic tools as the Industrial Competitiveness GPL, see above. Belgium is a participating state to the QKDsat Partnership Project under this SPL.

SPL ScyLight – Optical and Quantum Communications
The SPL ScyLight revolutionises connectivity on a global scale, kick-starting the development of disruptive optical and quantum technologies. The programme supports industry with research, initiates studies, plans pilots and defines critical technology roadmaps. The SPL offers the same programmatic tools as the Industrial Competitiveness GPL, see above.

GPL FP - Future Preparations
With the GPL Future Preparations , the aim is to ensure that ESA, industry and member states stay up to date with future development needs of the satcom sector. The programme line serves the following objectives:

• Preparing future programmes, through business intelligence and market analysis, concept studies, technology roadmapping and maintaining close dialogue with the broader ecosystem
• Preparing the regulatory and policy environment through support to standardisation, ensuring access to radio spectrum, building new programmatic activities and supporting regulatory efforts.

Contrary to the other ARTES4.0 GPL and SPLs, FP does not provide a guaranteed return for member states, and more than half of the Member States subscriptions are used for ESA internal activities.