How Keysight & Airbus are Testing 5G Via LEO Satellites

Keysight Technologies confirms its role in Airbus UpNext’s SpaceRAN demonstrator, a project designed to test how 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) can operate using software-defined satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). 

The partnership brings together telecoms and aerospace sectors to investigate how satellite-enabled 5G can work alongside terrestrial networks.

SpaceRAN focuses on two use cases: broadband and direct-to-handheld communication. 

Keysight provides test and measurement solutions for ground-based demonstrations that assess how these services can be delivered effectively from orbit.

Eric Taylor, Vice President of Aerospace, Defence and Government Solutions at Keysight, says: “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 standardised 5G NTN from LEO.”

Validating 5G network integration on Earth

Keysight contributes satellite channel emulation and user segment emulation through its PROPSIM and UeSim platforms. 

These tools replicate real-world conditions to test satellite communication links in a controlled setting.

The aim is to evaluate key performance areas such as beam handover, gateway switching and mobility management across terrestrial and non-terrestrial links. 

Beam handover refers to how a signal transfers between different satellite beams as users move. 

Gateway handover simulates the shift between different ground stations. Mobility management ensures users stay connected as they switch between satellite and terrestrial coverage.

By emulating these behaviours, SpaceRAN prepares for how 5G will function at scale across a mixed infrastructure that includes satellites and ground-based towers. The testing stage is a chance to confirm performance before live deployment.

These integration tasks are essential to create consistent coverage and minimise latency in global communications. 

In a satellite network, signals experience different delays and tracking complexities compared with terrestrial systems, making emulation tools vital to bridge the technical gap.

Preparing for live testing in orbit

The SpaceRAN project ends with the launch of an Airbus satellite carrying a regenerative payload. This payload includes onboard processing and integrated gNodeB capability, which is the base station function in 5G architecture.

With gNodeB embedded on the satellite, signal processing takes place in space rather than being routed back to Earth. 

This approach increases responsiveness and enables more flexible operations. It also aligns with growing interest in software-defined satellites that adapt in real time.

Airbus plans to use this satellite to test how space-based infrastructure can deliver standardised 5G services directly to user devices without relying on intermediary platforms.

By emulating these behaviours, SpaceRAN prepares for how 5G will function at scale across a mixed infrastructure that includes satellites and ground-based towers. The testing stage is a chance to confirm performance before live deployment.

These integration tasks are essential to create consistent coverage and minimise latency in global communications. 

In a satellite network, signals experience different delays and tracking complexities compared with terrestrial systems, making emulation tools vital to bridge the technical gap.

Preparing for live testing in orbit

The SpaceRAN project ends with the launch of an Airbus satellite carrying a regenerative payload. This payload includes onboard processing and integrated gNodeB capability, which is the base station function in 5G architecture.

With gNodeB embedded on the satellite, signal processing takes place in space rather than being routed back to Earth. 

This approach increases responsiveness and enables more flexible operations. It also aligns with growing interest in software-defined satellites that adapt in real time.

Airbus plans to use this satellite to test how space-based infrastructure can deliver standardised 5G services directly to user devices without relying on intermediary platforms.

Supporting European 5G goals

The SpaceRAN programme also reflects a broader push across Europe for open, sovereign and standardised 5G infrastructure. The project supports a shift toward interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, avoiding proprietary systems.

Thierry Locquette, Vice President of Sales, Europe at Keysight Technologies, says: “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.” 

The SpaceRAN demonstrator offers a testbed to define how satellite networks can deliver 5G in practice and Keysight’s involvement highlights the link between telecoms testing tools and the future of space-based connectivity.