Antwerp Space Expands Role in European Secure Satellite Communications as European Protected Waveform Project Enters Second Phase
Project advances secure and resilient satellite communications in support of future Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite services.
Antwerp, Belgium – November 4, 2026 – Antwerp Space today announced its expanded role in the European Protected Waveform project, which has recently entered its second phase following a successful kick-off meeting in Spain.
Supported by the European Union and coordinated by ST Engineering iDirect Europe, the European Protected Waveform project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 European Union Member States. The initiative aims to develop a secure, resilient and interoperable satellite communication waveform that will provide trusted communications for European governmental and institutional users operating in increasingly demanding environments.
Building on the achievements of the first phase, the second phase focuses on the development, integration, and validation of a complete end-to-end satellite communication system. The project is closely aligned with future European flagship programmes, including Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) and the European Union Governmental Satellite Communications programme.
As part of the second phase, Antwerp Space has significantly expanded its responsibilities within the consortium. The company is leading the development of advanced satellite payload technologies that enable secure satellite communications. Drawing on its expertise in digital signal processing and on-board processing architectures, Antwerp Space is developing innovative payload solutions that support the efficient, secure and flexible implementation of waveform functionality directly on board satellites.
“Secure and resilient satellite communications are becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s digital sovereignty and connectivity ambitions,” said Koen Puimège, Managing Director of Antwerp Space. “Our expanded role in the second phase reflects the confidence of the consortium in our expertise. By developing advanced payload technologies, we are helping to enable the next generation of European secure satellite communication capabilities and supporting Europe’s ambition to build more autonomous, secure and resilient space infrastructure.”
The European Protected Waveform project is an important milestone in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in satellite communications. By developing common and interoperable technologies, the programme will help ensure reliable communications for governmental and institutional users while addressing future security and connectivity requirements across Europe.
“Beyond its technological significance, this programme creates important opportunities for European industry,” added Koen Puimège. “It further strengthens Antwerp Space’s position in the market for secure satellite communications and reinforces our contribution to future European secure communication infrastructures, including Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite.”
With a total programme investment of 65 million euros, including 35 million euros allocated to the second phase, the European Protected Waveform project demonstrates Europe’s long-term commitment to advancing secure satellite communications through collaborative innovation and industrial cooperation.
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union . Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”