In a statement released January 20, Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) announced its collaboration with Airbus UpNext on the SpaceRAN demonstrator, an initiative designed to advance 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities through software-defined satellite technology.
The project focuses on validating seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, specifically targeting global coverage and future broadband services from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Technical Validation and Ground Emulation
As the primary test and measurement partner for the ground-based phase, Keysight is deploying specialized emulation solutions to verify high-performance connectivity in dynamic orbital environments. These tools are essential for managing technical hurdles such as mobility management and handovers in regenerative payloads.
Key technical components provided by Keysight include:
- Satellite Channel Emulation (PROPSIM): Simulates the complex radio channel conditions between the satellite and ground terminals.
- User Segment Emulation (UeSim): Emulates multiple user equipment devices to test network load and performance.
- Interoperability Testing: Validates critical 5G NTN use cases, including beam handovers, gateway handovers, and terrestrial-to-NTN mobility.
Advancing Sovereign Connectivity
The collaboration aims to foster a non-proprietary, standardized ecosystem for satellite communications. This approach aligns with broader European initiatives to strengthen technological sovereignty in advanced connectivity and aerospace innovation.
“Our test and measurement solutions are designed to ensure the reliability and performance of next-generation networks,” stated Eric Taylor, Vice President, Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions at Keysight. “We’re proud to support Airbus in this pioneering step toward standardized 5G NTN from LEO“.
Timeline for In-Orbit Demonstration
The SpaceRAN project is scheduled to culminate in the deployment of a regenerative payload aboard an Airbus LEO satellite. This payload will feature integrated gNodeB functionality and on-board signal processing, enabling flexible and autonomous network operations directly from space.