AccelerComm, a leader in flight-proven high-performance 5G technology for satellite networks, today revealed its participation in Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN, a new demonstrator developed by Airbus to explore advanced 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities and enable standardized global connectivity from space.
Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN aims to demonstrate how 5G technology can be extended beyond terrestrial networks, delivering interoperable, standardized, and globally available connectivity for commercial, defense, and governmental applications. As part of a consortium of industry partners assembled by Airbus, AccelerComm is supplying a critical 5G physical layer (PHY) solution that enables communications signal processing on-board
software-defined satellites.
Unlike conventional satellite systems that simply relay signals, Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN is designed to process and manage 5G signals directly in orbit. AccelerComm’s technology supports this approach by delivering a high performance, space-proven physical layer capable of operating within the strict size, weight, and power constraints of satellite platforms, while maintaining high throughput, low latency, and compliance with 3GPP 5G standards.
AccelerComm’s patented hardware acceleration technology increases satellite throughput by as much as ten times versus software-only solutions, significantly improving the productivity and business case for satellite constellations.
AccelerComm is working closely with Airbus UpNext to integrate its 5G PHY solution into the new platform, supporting both ground-based testing and in-orbit validation of 5G NTN functionality. This collaboration will underscore the advantages of deploying full 5G base station capabilities in space, enabling more efficient network management, improved routing, and new forms of direct connectivity.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Airbus UpNext on this new demonstrator, which represents a major step forward in the evolution of standardized 5G connectivity beyond terrestrial networks,” said David Helfgott, CEO of AccelerComm. “AccelerComm’s role in this program reflects our deep expertise in delivering high-performance, space-qualified 5G physical layer technology, already deployed on a large number of operational communication satellites. By delivering 5G processing in orbit, we are helping to lay the foundations for interoperable, non-proprietary satellite networks that integrate seamlessly with terrestrial infrastructure.”
Developed as part of Air!5G, a project supported by the French government through the France 2030 investment plan, Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN is expected to contribute to the development of future 5G NTN standards, including 6G, and help lay the groundwork for low-cost orbital data transmission.