Keysight Technologies will lead a European Space Agency development program exploring how blockchain technologies can detect anomalies and secure 5G non-terrestrial networks, working with satellite IoT provider Sateliot for technical development and orbital mission integration.
The award announced Wednesday falls under the ESA Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems 5G Strategic Product Line. Keysight will serve as prime contractor for the program, which aims to establish a secure, verifiable trust framework for non-terrestrial network environments in preparation for increasingly complex space-based networks.
The initiative includes laboratory research, prototyping, and a full in-orbit demonstration to prove that blockchain-anchored trust, autonomous anomaly detection, and secure telemetry can function in operational satellite environments. Keysight will apply its design, test, and measurement expertise across the full satellite lifecycle, from manufacturing and calibration to in-orbit operations and service delivery.
“The future of Europe’s connectivity depends on networks that are not only advanced, but trusted, resilient and secure,” said Antonio Franchi, head of the Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity program at ESA. He emphasized that supporting this project underscores ESA’s commitment to pioneering technologies that safeguard the integration of non-terrestrial and terrestrial networks.
The program also plans to explore how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital calibration certificates can be applied alongside blockchain to enhance security across the satellite lifecycle. As satellite constellations expand and 5G networks extend into space through non-terrestrial network architectures, securing these hybrid systems has become a priority for space agencies and operators worldwide.
