Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s 5G/6G Programme, said: “We are excited to build on the momentum the 5G/6G Hub has picked up over the past year by working with our partners on its next phase of development.

“Collaboration is key to telecommunications innovation, and this project will consolidate the hub’s position as a focal point for the establishment of new partnerships, both within Europe and globally.”

Craig Brown, Director of Investment at the UK Space Agency, said: “This is the first time that ESA has established a 5G/6G Hub in a member state, demonstrating the UK’s position as a world-leader in satellite telecommunications and establishing a flagship facility that will support further growth for this thriving sector.

“The UK Space Agency’s investment in the next phase of the hub’s development will help showcase UK businesses at the forefront of emerging space technologies, catalyse investment into the sector, and enhance collaboration with international partners looking to develop their own 5G capabilities.

“We look forward to following the next steps, led by CGI, as this project comes to life.”

Tara McGeehan, President of CGI UK and Australia, said: “ESA’s 5G/6G Hub enables cross-industry collaboration that will help deliver the UK’s National Space Strategy. CGI is committed to helping our clients in the telecommunications industry integrate satellite technology in their networks and bring better and environmentally sustainable services to their customers.

“The hub will demonstrate and accelerate how satellite communications helps society to benefit from easily accessible resilient communications everywhere in the world.”

Nick Gliddon, UK Business Director at Vodafone, said: “Innovation is central to our work at Vodafone so we are really excited to be working with CGI Space, Defence and Intelligence and ESA on this project. By validating the interoperability between 5G networks on Earth and satellite networks in space, we open up exciting new possibilities for connectivity across the world.”