Airbus subsidiary Airbus UpNext has launched a new demonstrator, called Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN, which has a mission to enable standardised global connectivity by exploring advanced 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities.
The Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network) leverages Airbus’s software-defined satellite capabilities to manage and optimise 5G signals in orbit. Airbus says that by processing data directly in space rather than simply relaying it, the demonstrator will prove that latency can be reduced, data throughput maximised, and more efficient network management and routing can be enabled.
According to Airbus, it aims to explore a versatile connectivity technology called the 5G NTN which is compatible with all types of business applications. “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.
The initiative has a consortium of partners that includes Aalyria, AccelerComm, CesiumAstro, Deutsche Telekom, Eutelsat, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Keysight Technologies, Onati, Radisys, Sener and ST Engineering iDirect.
