Keysight joins Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN project to advance 5G satellite NTN

by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 21, 2026

Keysight Technologies is collaborating on the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator to explore 5G non-terrestrial network capabilities using software-defined satellite technology in both ground and in-orbit scenarios. The initiative focuses on using a Low Earth Orbit satellite platform to test how next generation satellite payloads can support emerging 5G services from space.

The project addresses key technical challenges in 5G NTN, including seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and robust mobility management across dynamic satellite orbits. These aspects are essential to delivering global coverage, low latency links, and future broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G services via satellite.

For the ground-based phase, Keysight is supplying satellite channel emulation using its PROPSIM platform and user segment emulation with its UeSim solutions, supported by dedicated software. These systems will enable validation of important NTN use cases such as beam handover, gateway handover, and mobility management transitions between terrestrial and satellite networks.

The Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator will investigate both broadband connectivity and direct-to-handheld 5G NTN modes. The program is planned to culminate in the launch of an Airbus Low Earth Orbit satellite carrying an advanced regenerative payload that includes on-board signal processing and integrated gNodeB functionality.

By embedding gNodeB capabilities in the satellite payload, the demonstrator aims to enable more efficient and flexible network operations in orbit. This architecture is intended to support dynamic resource allocation and improved link management across both space and ground segments.

The collaboration forms part of a wider effort to promote non-proprietary, sovereign, and standardized connectivity solutions that blend terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures. Airbus and its partners, including Keysight, are working to create an interoperable ecosystem that underpins the next generation of global communication services.

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 Technologies, said, "Keysight has a long-standing and deeply rooted presence in Europe, with local R and 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."