On September 19, 2025, DLR, a core partner 6G-NTN, hosted the expert forum “NTN, Security & Resilience.” The event gathered key figures from industry, academia, and public institutions to discuss the crucial role of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) in strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure.
The forum centered on the strategic importance of NTN for digital sovereignty. Discussions delved into key topics like security-by-design, zero-trust architectures, and the seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with experts and stakeholders, exploring how these technologies can bolster network resilience and expand coverage.
The day began with opening remarks from 6G-NTN’s Sandro Scalise, Head of the Satellite Networks Department at the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation, and Matthias Hafner, Innovation Network Digitization Project Manager at Bayern Innovativ GmbH. The agenda featured a keynote on the IRIS² initiative and a presentation on Deutsche Telekom’s 6G-TakeOff project. A lively panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Scalise, encouraged direct engagement and questions from the audience.
A key feature of the event was a dedicated exhibition of various EU projects focused on NTN. The 6G-NTN project was a highlight, showcased alongside other projects such as 5G STARDUST, Nexasphere, UNITY-6G, 6G-Takeoff, and 6G-RIC. The exhibition served as an excellent platform to share initial project outcomes and discuss future plans.
Attendees were also offered exclusive guided tours of DLR’s cutting-edge facilities, including the ISS control center, the laser communication lab, and the robotics and mechatronics department. These tours provided a firsthand look at the innovative work driving advancements in space and communication technologies.
The “NTN, Security & Resilience” forum successfully highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts to create a secure, resilient, and interconnected digital framework for Europe, with 6G-NTN playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey.