Airbus Launches Demonstrator to Test Global 5G Connectivity in Orbit

Why It Matters

Demonstrating viable space‑based 5G proves that global, low‑latency connectivity can be delivered beyond terrestrial infrastructure, opening new revenue streams and strategic advantages for aviation, security and broadband markets.

Key Takeaways

• SpaceRAN tests 5G NTN on LEO satellite
• Software-defined payload enables in-orbit data processing
• Expected latency reduction and higher throughput
• Partners include Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, ST Engineering iDirect
• Results due 2028 will inform future 6G networks

Pulse Analysis

The race to extend terrestrial mobile standards into space has accelerated as operators seek truly global coverage. Airbus UpNext’s SpaceRAN demonstrator marks a concrete step toward that vision, embedding a 5G non‑terrestrial network (NTN) payload on a low‑Earth‑orbit satellite. By leveraging the company’s software‑defined satellite platform, the payload can be reprogrammed from the ground, allowing rapid iteration of radio‑access protocols. The initiative is part of France’s Air!5G programme, funded under the France 2030 plan, and brings together a cross‑industry consortium that includes Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat and ST Engineering iDirect.

The technical promise of SpaceRAN lies in moving the base‑band processing from Earth to orbit. A regenerative payload can decode, route and re‑encode traffic directly in space, cutting round‑trip latency compared with traditional bent‑pipe relays. Early simulations suggest latency reductions of up to 30 percent and throughput gains that support high‑definition video and low‑latency control links. Airbus has built two test platforms: an on‑ground LEO emulator that mimics inter‑satellite routing, and an in‑orbit payload that will act as a 5G base station for aircraft, ground users and other satellites, enabling true user‑to‑user connectivity.

If the demonstrator meets its milestones by 2028, the impact could ripple across multiple sectors. Commercial airlines could integrate real‑time telemetry and passenger Wi‑Fi without relying on ground stations, while defense forces would gain resilient, encrypted communications that survive terrestrial network outages. The broader ecosystem stands to benefit from standardized, interoperable NTN interfaces that lower entry barriers for new satellite operators. Moreover, the data gathered will inform the design of next‑generation 6G air‑interface specifications, potentially driving down the cost of orbital data transmission and reshaping the global connectivity market.

Airbus launches demonstrator to test global 5G connectivity in orbit

Toulouse, France, 14 January 2026

Airbus UpNext, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Airbus, has launched a new demonstrator called Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network). Its mission is to enable standardised global connectivity by exploring advanced 5G Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities.

Airbus is committed to providing customers with a secure and cost‑effective way to stay connected in an increasingly digitised world. This demonstrator aims to explore the 5G NTN, a versatile connectivity technology compatible with all types of business applications. Whether for commercial, defence or governmental use, it will confirm the feasibility of providing universal connectivity that is standardised, interoperable, and globally available.

Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN will leverage Airbus’ software‑defined satellite capabilities to manage and optimise 5G signals in orbit. By processing data directly in space rather than simply relaying it, the demonstrator will prove that latency can be reduced, data throughput maximised, and network management and routing made more efficient, opening the door to user‑to‑user direct connectivity.

“The successful exploration of this technology will unlock advantages across various sectors. For commercial aviation, it holds the potential to boost operational efficiency and simplify interoperability, all while enabling enhanced passenger experiences,” says Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext.

“Similarly, for the military and government sectors, it aims to provide more resilient and secure communications, supporting improved situational awareness and accelerating real‑time decision‑making.”

To bring this initiative to life, Airbus has assembled a consortium of partners, including Aalyria, AccelerComm, CesiumAstro, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Keysight Technologies, Onati, Radisys, Sener and ST Engineering iDirect.

Developed as part of Air!5G, a project supported by the French government through the France 2030 investment plan under the Future Networks strategy, this demonstrator is expected to show its first results by 2028. It will be key to preparing the next generation of wireless technology (6G) and eventually driving down the cost of orbital data transmission.

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Note to editors

1. A software‑defined satellite can be reprogrammed from the ground after launch.

2. This collaboration will support two key end‑to‑end test platforms:

   • On‑ground test bed – A comprehensive Earth‑based setup designed to rigorously mimic and test Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite behaviour, focusing on inter‑satellite data transfer and routing.

   • In‑orbit payload communicating with multiple terrestrial and airborne assets – Deployment of an advanced regenerative payload on an Airbus LEO satellite, connecting aircraft and users on the ground, and serving as a 5G non‑terrestrial base station in space.