Rendering of the Airbus’ Arrow platform, used on OneWeb satellites. (Photo by Airbus)

Airbus is teaming up with a group of satellite tech leaders to test standardized global 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity.

On Wednesday, Airbus announced the UpNext SpaceRAN (radio access network) demonstrator, which will test a 5G NTN software-defined satellite. The project involves a ground demonstration to simulate a two-satellite constellation in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) testing beam and satellite handovers. 

Then, Airbus plans to launch an in-orbit demonstration that will place a 5G non-terrestrial network payload on an Airbus LEO satellite, to act as a 5G base station in space. This phase is scheduled to launch in 2027, with in-orbit testing scheduled for 2028

Airbus is working with industry partners Aalyria, AccelerComm, CesiumAstro, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Keysight Technologies, Onati, Radisys, Sener, and ST Engineering iDirect.

Airbus explained it is working to develop an open and non-proprietary standard for satellite communications, to provide a standardized and competitive alternative to existing proprietary solutions on the market. “This is essential for customers who need their satellite systems to function as a communication layer within a comprehensive space and ground network. It will apply to both commercial and military customers, with [military customers] seeking sovereign, global and secure connectivity services,” Airbus said in a statement. 

This work will build on the 5G demonstration on OneWeb satellites last year, which tested NTN broadband over Ku-band LEO satellites.

Aalyria noted its Spacetime 5G NTN RAN intelligent controller (RIC) will be used in the demonstration for real-time control and optimization.

“Standardized 5G connectivity from space is a critical next step for scaling Non-Terrestrial Networks globally. The Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator provides an important opportunity to validate how intelligent, software-driven control can optimize NTN performance in orbit and accelerate real-world deployment,” Aalyria CEO Chris Taylor commented.