Space & Satellites
Airbus UpNext Launches SpaceRAN for 5G Connectivity from Space
Airbus UpNext’s SpaceRAN project aims to deploy regenerative 5G payloads in orbit, reducing latency and enabling direct user connectivity by 2028.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Airbus UpNext, the innovation subsidiary of the European aerospace giant, has officially announced the launch of the SpaceRAN demonstrator project. This ambitious initiative aims to validate a standardized 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) by placing a “regenerative” payload in orbit, effectively turning a satellite into a flying base station rather than a simple relay.
According to the company’s announcement, the project is designed to pave the way for 6G connectivity and ensure European sovereignty in critical communications infrastructure. By moving away from traditional satellite architectures, Airbus aims to reduce latency and enable direct user-to-user connectivity from space.
The core innovation behind the SpaceRAN demonstrator is the shift in satellite architecture. Traditional telecommunications satellites often utilize a “bent-pipe” or transparent architecture, acting essentially as mirrors that reflect signals from a user on the ground to a ground station, which then routes the data.
In contrast, the SpaceRAN project utilizes a regenerative payload. As detailed in the press release, this allows the satellite to house a full 5G gNodeB (base station). The satellite receives, decodes, processes, and re-encodes signals directly in orbit. This onboard processing capability is expected to significantly reduce latency and allow for direct communication between users within the satellite’s footprint without routing every signal through a ground gateway.
Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, emphasized the dual utility of this technology for both civil and defense sectors:
“For commercial aviation, this technology could boost operational efficiency and simplify interoperability, while for defense, it offers more resilient and secure communications.”
, Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext
To achieve this technical leap, Airbus has assembled a consortium of 11 partners spanning the entire value chain, from ground infrastructure to orbital hardware. The project emphasizes interoperability and open standards, specifically targeting the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards that govern global mobile telecommunications. Key partners and their contributions include:
Other partners contributing to the hardware, testing, and engineering efforts include ST Engineering iDirect, Keysight Technologies, Onati, Sener, and ITRI.
The project has outlined a clear roadmap for validation. According to Airbus, a ground-based demonstration simulating a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation is scheduled for 2027. This will be followed by the launch of the in-orbit demonstrator satellite later in 2027, with full in-orbit testing and validation expected to take place throughout 2028.
The SpaceRAN initiative represents a strategic pivot for the European aerospace sector. While competitors like SpaceX’s Starlink have established dominant proprietary networks (“walled gardens”), Airbus is betting on a standardized, open-architecture approach. By adhering to 3GPP standards, SpaceRAN aims to allow various vendors and operators to interact seamlessly, much like the terrestrial mobile market.
Furthermore, the focus on “regenerative” payloads signals a preparation for the computational demands of 6G. As future networks require “native AI” and edge computing, the ability to process data in orbit, rather than just relaying it, will be a critical differentiator. This project, supported by the French government’s “France 2030” plan, also underscores the geopolitical drive to secure autonomous connectivity for Europe.
Airbus UpNext Unveils SpaceRAN: The Push for “Flying Cell Towers”
From “Bent-Pipe” to Regenerative Payloads
A Diverse Industrial Consortium
Timeline for Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Airbus