Keysight joins Airbus SpaceRAN 5G project

Keysight partners with Airbus on the SpaceRAN project to support the development of 5G non-terrestrial networks using satellite technology.

Keysight Technologies has announced its involvement in the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator. This initiative seeks to explore the potential of 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) through the use of advanced software-defined satellite technology, both terrestrially and in orbit.

The advancement of 5G NTN brings with it numerous technical obstacles. Key challenges include achieving seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, managing reliable mobility, and ensuring high-performance connectivity across dynamic satellite orbits. Overcoming these issues is crucial for enabling global coverage, low-latency communications, and the envisaged future capabilities of broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G services from space.

In the ground-based demonstration, Keysight is playing an important role by providing test and measurement tools. These include satellite channel emulation (PROPSIM) and user segment emulation (UeSim), complemented by supportive software. These solutions are significant when validating prominent 5G NTN use cases such as beam handover, gateway handover, and efficient mobility management between terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems.

The SpaceRAN demonstrator initiated by Airbus aims to scrutinise both broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G NTN prospects. The project will culminate in the deployment of a regenerative payload on an Airbus Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. This payload is equipped with on-board signal processing and integrated gNodeB functionality, facilitating efficient and flexible network operations in the spatial domain.

As part of a broader strategic endeavour, this collaboration aims to encourage non-proprietary, sovereign, and standardised connectivity solutions. It emphasises the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. By teaming up with Airbus, Keysight joins a group of industry professionals dedicated to constructing an interoperable ecosystem that supports the future of global communications.

Keysight's participation in the SpaceRAN project demonstrates its dedication to advancing satellite-enabled 5G technology. It reflects their focus on ensuring reliable next-generation networks and contributing to Europe’s technological capabilities in connectivity, aerospace, and 5G.

Nearly half of European organisations spend up to €5 million a year on cloud – yet a quarter of...
AvePoint has introduced updates to its Confidence Platform, with a focus on AI data protection,...
The Q1 2026 RF Front-End Modules & Components report highlights recent patent activity and...
Exploring the UK's focused strategy to accelerate data centre growth amidst AI and cloud storage...
Barracuda research reveals how attackers leverage device code authentication for persistent access,...
British organisations are increasingly adopting AI agents but face challenges in orchestration and...
Pax8 teams up with NinjaOne, aiming to strengthen managed service providers through enhanced...
Kyndryl has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to support businesses in modernising...