The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and the European Space Agency (ESA), are pleased to have organised a joint workshop to discuss pioneering initiatives of 6G experimental scope (with a focus on 6G-LINO) at the intersection of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN).

Date & Time: Thursday, 28 May 2026, 14:00 – 16:00 CEST

This workshop marks the first step in implementing the Memorandum of Intent signed between the SNS JU and ESA on 16 October 2025. It will bring together key stakeholders, including the European Commission,  6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA),  and representatives from SNS JU project consortia, particularly those active in TN/NTN integration.

Agenda:

Moderator: Oana Radu (SNS JU)

14:00 – 14:15 | Welcome and Opening (15 mins)

• Opening remarks by the European Commission / DG CNECT, framing the workshop in the context of the European 6G strategy and the SNS JU–ESA collaboration framework.

Speaker: Miguel Gonzalez-Sancho (E1).

• Brief presentation by SNS JU on the programme’s NTN-related activities, relevant project portfolio, and the strategic rationale for the ESA collaboration.

Speaker: Erzsébet Fitori (SNS JU).

14:15 – 14:35 | ESA Introduction (20 min)

• Brief presentation by ESA on its 5G/6G NTN Programme and In-orbit Experiments.

Speaker: Antonio Franchi (ESA), Vincenzo Schena (Thales – IT), Luca Deva (Tyvak).

14:35 – 15:00 | 6G LINO — Mission, Capabilities and Collaboration Opportunities (25 min)

• Detailed presentation of the 6G LINO project: mission architecture, technical capabilities, the open-access Laboratory in Orbit collaboration model, Q3 launch timeline, and potential interfaces with SNS JU projects.

Speaker: Alexander Hofmann, Sahana Raghunandan (6G LINO consortium).

15:00 – 15:20 | SNS JU Project Spotlight (20 mins)

• Short presentation by the 6G-NTN2 Nexus project on their NTN research activities and potential synergies with the 6G LINO platform.

Speaker: Xavier Pons (6G-NTN2 Nexus).

• Short presentation by 6G Sandbox

Speaker: Michael Dieudonne (6G Sandbox).

15:20 – 15:55 | Panel Discussion with SNS JU Projects + ESA followed by Q&A (35 mins)

• Open exchange between ESA and SNS JU project representatives, focusing on use case mapping, access modalities for the open experimentation phase, and potential collaboration models.

Moderator: Oana Radu (SNS JU)

15:55 – 16:00 | Wrap-up and Next Steps (5 mins)

• Summary of key points.

Speaker: Javier Albares (SNS JU)

Learn about the MOI between the SNS JU and ESA: SNS JU and ESA Join Forces to Accelerate the Integration of satellite networks in 6G – SNS JU

Learn about 6G LINO: ESA Connectivity – 6G LINO