The use of satellite in 5G networks: The technological step forward and perspectives due to the VIBeS project

5G system is a really disruptive new concept of telecommunication network because it will make use of all the up to date technologies both at physical and network management layer. It will represent a revolution especially for what concerns the latter aspects in particular introducing the concept of slicing. Thanks to their peculiar characteristics satellite systems can contribute to realize this revolution, offering performance in some very important scenario that will guarantee to satisfy 5G target requirements. The VIBeS project, funded by ESA, has reached very meaningful achievements in this line. The paper summarizes the main outcomes of the project and draws the significant perspectives that are now opened.