Keysight Collaborates on Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN Demonstrator to Advance 5G NTN Innovation
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Key Terms
5g non-terrestrial networkstechnical
5G non-terrestrial networks are mobile communication systems that deliver 5G services from space or the sky—using satellites, high-altitude balloons or drones—instead of relying only on ground cell towers. For investors, they matter because they can open new markets and revenue by bringing coverage to remote areas and improving network resilience, while also carrying higher upfront hardware and regulatory costs much like adding highways where none existed before.
software-definedtechnical
software-defined describes systems where functions traditionally built into physical hardware are implemented and controlled by software, letting one physical device behave like many by changing code. Think of it as a programmable appliance that can be reconfigured with updates rather than replaced. Investors care because it can cut capital costs, speed new features to market, enable subscription or service revenue, and make products more adaptable — but it also shifts value toward software skill and ongoing maintenance.
low earth orbittechnical
Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the region of space close to Earth, roughly from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, where satellites and spacecraft circle the planet quickly—think of it as a busy highway just overhead. It matters to investors because many communications, imaging and data services rely on satellites in LEO; their shorter lifespans, lower launch costs, crowded lanes and debris risks directly affect the cost, revenue potential and operational risks of companies that build, launch or use these satellites.
satellite channel emulationtechnical
Satellite channel emulation is a testing method that reproduces how a real satellite communication link behaves — including signal delays, interference, noise and frequency shifts — inside a lab or software environment. For investors, it matters because it lets companies validate and improve satellite hardware and services before costly launches or deployments, reducing technical risk and development costs much like a flight simulator reduces risk for aircraft testing.
gnodebtechnical
A gnodeb is a 5G radio access point — the network equipment (think modern cell tower or neighborhood Wi‑Fi router on steroids) that wirelessly connects phones and devices to a carrier’s core network. Investors care because deployment and upgrades of gnodebs drive telecom capital spending, influence service speed and coverage, and affect vendor revenues and operators’ ability to offer new, higher‑margin services that can change subscriber growth and average revenue per user.
beam handovertechnical
Beam handover is the process by which a user’s wireless connection is moved from one focused radio beam to another as the user, device, or network conditions change. For investors, it matters because smooth handovers keep calls and data sessions uninterrupted, supporting customer satisfaction, network efficiency and capacity; frequent failures or delays can raise costs, lower user retention and reduce revenue potential.
gateway handovertechnical
A gateway handover is the transfer of a central connecting device or system — the 'gateway' that links local equipment to a wider network — from a seller or project team to the customer or operator, often including installation and the start of operational control. For investors, it matters because this handoff typically signals progress in a contract, possible revenue recognition, the start of warranty or service obligations, and a shift of operational risk—think of it like handing over the keys to a newly built, connected system.
mobility managementtechnical
Mobility management is the planning and coordination of how people and goods move — including services, routes, vehicles, pricing and policies — to make travel more efficient, reliable and cost-effective. For investors, it matters because better mobility management can cut operating costs, increase service use, reduce regulatory or environmental risks, and unlock new revenue streams; think of it as a conductor organizing a fleet so each vehicle and route earns more and wastes less.
Keysight provides advanced emulation solutions to support ground testing of 5G non-terrestrial network capabilities for future in-orbit demonstration aboard an Airbus Low Earth Orbit satellite
SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is proud to announce its collaboration on the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator, a pioneering initiative aimed at exploring the capabilities of 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) using advanced software-defined satellite technology, both on the ground and in orbit.
The rapid evolution of 5G NTN faces significant technical challenges, including seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, reliable mobility management, and maintaining high-performance connectivity across dynamic satellite orbits. These hurdles are critical to enabling global coverage, low-latency communications, and future broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G services from space.
As part of the ground-based demonstration, Keysight is providing critical test and measurement solutions, including satellite channel emulation (PROPSIM) and user segment emulation (UeSim), along with supporting software. These tools will help validate key 5G NTN use cases such as beam handover, gateway handover, and mobility management between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator is designed to explore both broadband and direct-to-handheld 5G NTN capabilities. The project will conclude with the deployment of an advanced regenerative payload on an Airbus Low Earth Orbit satellite (LEO) satellite, featuring on-board signal processing and integrated gNodeB functionality to enable efficient and flexible network operations in space.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to foster non-proprietary, sovereign, and standardized connectivity solutions, enabling seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Keysight joins a select group of industry leaders working with Airbus to build an interoperable ecosystem that supports the future of global communications.
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.”
ThierryLocquette, Vice President of Sales, Europe at Keysight Technologies, said: "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."
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
