Executive Summary: European Third Pillar for Satellite Telecommunications

As part of a mission study for Alphasat a study group called JADES - composed of Alenia, Alcatel and Astrium - explored the potential of satellite communications to enhance public services. The study has been performed in the period October 2002 until May 2003 and provided case studies covering the role of satellite services for crises and emergency management as well as broadband access to reduce the digital divide within Europe.

The JADES study proved a valuable contribution to highlight the role of satellite broadband to help reduce the digital-divide within Europe now recognised by the EC/ESA green/white paper exercise as an essential new element of the European Space Policy. Further broadband mission studies within ARTES element 8 will be considered if Alphabus matches the infrastructure requirements for a future implementation phase of the EC/ESA digital divide initiative.