As 5G moves to space, solving integration and mobility challenges will decide whether global coverage becomes reality.
Keysight Technologies has joined Airbus UpNext’s SpaceRAN demonstrator to advance 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) innovation, using software defined satellite technology both on the ground and in orbit. The collaboration aims to explore broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G NTN capabilities while addressing key technical challenges in global connectivity.
The project focuses on overcoming critical hurdles including seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, reliable mobility management, and maintaining high-performance connectivity across dynamic satellite orbits. These challenges are essential to enabling low-latency communications and future broadband services from space.
For the ground-based demonstration, Keysight is providing test and measurement solutions, including satellite channel emulation (PROPSIM), user segment emulation (UeSim), and supporting software. These tools will validate 5G NTN use cases such as beam handover, gateway handover, and mobility management between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The initiative will culminate in the deployment of an advanced regenerative payload on an Airbus Low Earth Orbit satellite, featuring on-board signal processing and integrated gNodeB functionality to enable flexible and efficient network operations in space.
The collaboration forms part of a broader effort to develop non-proprietary, standardised connectivity solutions and foster an interoperable ecosystem for next-generation networks. Keysight joins a select group of industry leaders supporting Airbus in building globally compatible 5G NTN infrastructure.
Eric Taylor, Keysight Vice President, Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to advancing satellite-enabled 5G. Thierry Locquette, VP Sales Europe, highlighted the collaboration’s role in strengthening Europe’s technological leadership in aerospace and advanced connectivity.
