Keysight, Sateliot win ESA-GSMA 6G challenge

Key Terms

non-terrestrial networks

technical

Networks that use space- or high-altitude platforms—such as satellites, balloons or high-flying drones—instead of ground-based wires and cell towers to deliver voice, data and broadcast services. Think of them as cell towers in the sky that extend coverage to ships, planes, remote regions and areas where building ground infrastructure is costly. Investors care because these networks open new markets and revenue streams but require large upfront capital, long regulatory approvals and technical risk, affecting growth potential and valuation.

blockchain

technical

A blockchain is a digital record-keeping system that securely stores information across many computers, making it difficult to alter or tamper with. Think of it like a shared, unchangeable ledger that everyone can see and verify, ensuring transparency and trust. For investors, this technology offers a way to securely track transactions and assets without relying on a central authority, potentially reducing costs and increasing security.

artificial intelligence

technical

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

machine learning

technical

Machine learning is a set of computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data and improve their predictions or decisions over time, like a recipe that gets better each time it’s adjusted based on taste tests. For investors it matters because these systems can speed up analysis, spot trends or risks humans might miss, automate routine work, and potentially create competitive advantages or cost savings that affect a company’s performance.

digital calibration certificates

technical

Digital calibration certificates are authenticated, machine-readable records that confirm a measurement instrument was checked against a known standard and adjusted if needed; think of them as a digital receipt proving a scale or sensor gives accurate readings. For investors, they matter because they reduce risk from faulty measurements, speed audits and regulatory compliance, lower paperwork and downtime, and make it easier to trust data used in operations, quality control and financial reporting.

3gpp

technical

3GPP is a global standards group that creates the technical rules enabling mobile networks and devices to work together — think of it as the rulebook for how phones, antennas and networks speak the same language. Investors care because these standards shape which technologies gain wide adoption, influence network rollouts, and affect patent licensing and equipment markets, all of which can change revenue and costs across telecom companies.

04/07/2026 – 11:00 AM

Award recognizes joint work supporting secure and reliable satellite-terrestrial integration for future 3GPP non-terrestrial networks

SANTA ROSA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), together with Sateliot, has been named a winner of the fifth annual European Space Agency (ESA) and GSMA Foundry Innovation Challenge for its joint project, “Blockchain-enabled anomaly detection end‑to‑end solution for 5G Non‑Terrestrial Networks.” The award, presented at Mobile World Congress 2026, Barcelona, recognizes early-stage 6G innovation, supporting 6G development and non-terrestrial network (NTN) integration.

The funding opportunity – provided by ESA Member States – was made possible through ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity line, within the programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES).

The challenge was introduced last year and focused on fostering 6G innovation, with a particular emphasis on satellite-terrestrial convergence in line with the latest recommendations from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The program’s objective is to advance innovation and validate technical solutions that integrate satellite systems with terrestrial networks to enable ubiquitous connectivity and high-performance communications.

The Keysight and Sateliot proposal integrates blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning with digital calibration certificates to enable traceable calibration from satellite manufacturing through to network operation. By enabling greater satellite autonomy, the joint solution is designed to optimize network reliability, maximize uptime, and enable rapid detection and response to performance issues.

By ensuring device trust, network integrity, and real‑time anomaly detection across hybrid space-terrestrial segments, the joint project is designed to help operators and enterprises prepare for commercial NTN deployments. The project also aligns with ESA’s ARTES programme, as it looks to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.

Antonio Franchi, Head of the Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme at the ESA, said: “Through these challenges, ESA aims to accelerate technologies that give Europe an edge. Keysight and Sateliot demonstrate exactly this with a solution that tackles a critical need for future 5G and 6G networks by strengthening trust in network performance, improving resilience, and supporting the smooth integration of satellite and terrestrial systems.”

Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry at GSMA, said: “Now in its fifth year, the GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards continue to recognize and celebrate the most innovative and impactful projects in the mobile and digital industries. This year’s winners show how open collaboration can tackle real operator challenges and scale globally. Congratulations to Keysight and Sateliot for proving that innovation with measurable outcomes is the path to industry transformation.”

Eric Taylor, Vice President, Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions at Keysight, said: “This recognition from the European Space Agency and the GSMA Foundry underscores the importance of trust, assurance, and autonomy as NTNs scale toward commercial readiness. Our collaboration with Sateliot demonstrates how advanced test, measurement, and AI‑driven analytics can bring unprecedented visibility into hybrid space-terrestrial networks. By enabling verifiable performance and real‑time anomaly detection, we are helping operators accelerate the deployment of resilient, standards‑based NTN services worldwide.”

Albert Pujol, CIO at Sateliot, said: “This award is a recognition of the talent of our R&D team in creating a trusted architecture. Together with Keysight, we have demonstrated that Sateliot not only offers global connectivity but also leads the way in the resilience and operational autonomy necessary to transform space into a secure infrastructure.”

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.