Satellite communications in the European Union R&D programmes: an overview

A short overview of satellite communication activities under the European Union R&D Framework Programme is presented, with a main focus on the ACTS programme. Three main aspects are addressed: how R&D activities in the satellite communication domain performed under the EU 4th Framework Programme are positioned vis a vis other R&D activities at the Member State level or at the European level; how R&D activities in the satellite communication domain performed under the EU 4th Framework Programme are positioned vis a vis recent developments in the field such as global constellations for mobile or broadband multimedia applications; and what are the current plans of the European Commission for further initiatives in this sector.