Keysight Technologies has announced its strategic collaboration with Airbus UpNext on the SpaceRAN demonstrator, a groundbreaking initiative to advance 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities by leveraging software-defined satellite technology for both ground testing and eventual in-orbit deployment aboard a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. As part of the ground-based phase of the project, Keysight is supplying critical test and measurement solutions including satellite channel emulation (PROPSIM), user segment emulation (UeSim), and supporting software to validate essential NTN use cases such as beam handover, gateway handover, and mobility management between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, addressing the complex challenges of seamless integration, reliable mobility and high-performance connectivity in dynamic orbital environments. The SpaceRAN demonstrator is designed to explore broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G NTN capabilities and will culminate in the deployment of an advanced regenerative payload with integrated gNodeB and on-board signal processing to enable flexible and efficient network operations from space, part of wider efforts to foster non-proprietary, standardized connectivity solutions that support global communications.
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Eric Taylor, Vice President, Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions at Keysight, said: “Participating in the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator is a testament to our commitment to advancing the future of satellite-enabled 5G. Our test and measurement solutions are designed to ensure the reliability and performance of next-generation networks, and we’re proud to support Airbus in this pioneering step toward standardized 5G NTN from LEO.” Thierry Locquette, Vice President of Sales, Europe at Keysight, added: “Keysight has a long-standing and deeply rooted presence in Europe, with local R&D, engineering, and service teams working hand in hand with customers and partners across the region. Our collaboration with Airbus on SpaceRAN reflects our commitment to strengthening Europe’s leadership and technological sovereignty in advanced connectivity, aerospace, and 5G innovation. By combining global expertise with strong local execution, we help ensure that next-generation non-terrestrial networks are developed, validated, and deployed in close alignment with European priorities.”