Blockchain and AI-driven solution advances trust, resilience, and real-time performance monitoring in next-generation satellite-terrestrial networks
Keysight Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with Sateliot, has been recognized as a winner of the fifth annual Innovation Challenge organized by the European Space Agency and the GSMA Foundry. The award, presented during Mobile World Congress 2026, highlights groundbreaking advancements in early-stage 6G technologies, particularly those focused on integrating satellite and terrestrial communication networks.
The winning project, titled “Blockchain-enabled anomaly detection end-to-end solution for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks,” represents a sophisticated approach to addressing some of the most critical challenges in next-generation connectivity. As the telecommunications industry moves toward 6G, the convergence of space-based and ground-based infrastructure is becoming a central theme. This integration is essential for achieving truly ubiquitous, high-performance connectivity across both urban and remote environments.
The Innovation Challenge itself is part of a broader initiative to accelerate the development of advanced communication technologies across Europe. Funding for the program is provided by ESA Member States through the agency’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity line, which operates under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program. This initiative is designed to support cutting-edge research and validate technologies that can enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the global telecommunications landscape.
The focus of this year’s challenge reflects the evolving priorities of the industry. With the increasing importance of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), there is a growing need to ensure seamless interoperability between satellite systems and traditional terrestrial infrastructure. This aligns with the latest recommendations from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which has been instrumental in defining standards for 5G and future 6G networks.
At the core of the Keysight–Sateliot solution is the integration of multiple advanced technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). These technologies are combined with digital calibration certificates to create a system that enables traceable and verifiable calibration throughout the entire lifecycle of a satellite network. This lifecycle spans from initial manufacturing and testing to deployment and ongoing operation.
One of the key innovations of the solution is its ability to enhance satellite autonomy. By embedding intelligence directly into the network, the system can monitor performance in real time, detect anomalies, and initiate corrective actions without requiring constant human intervention. This capability is particularly important in space-based systems, where delays and limited accessibility can make manual intervention challenging.
The use of blockchain technology adds an additional layer of trust and transparency. By providing an immutable record of calibration and performance data, the system ensures that all stakeholders—from manufacturers to network operators—can verify the integrity of the network. This is critical for maintaining confidence in hybrid space-terrestrial systems, where multiple components and providers must work together seamlessly.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhance the system’s capabilities by enabling advanced anomaly detection. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data generated by the network, identifying patterns and deviations that may indicate potential issues. By detecting anomalies early, the system can help prevent disruptions, improve reliability, and maximize network uptime.
The combination of these technologies results in a comprehensive solution that addresses key requirements for future NTN deployments. These include ensuring device trust, maintaining network integrity, and enabling rapid response to performance issues. As operators and enterprises prepare for the commercialization of non-terrestrial networks, such capabilities will be essential for delivering consistent and high-quality services.
Antonio Franchi, Head of the Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity program at ESA, emphasized the strategic importance of initiatives like the Innovation Challenge. He noted that the program is designed to accelerate the development of technologies that can give Europe a competitive edge in the global market. According to Franchi, the Keysight–Sateliot project exemplifies this goal by addressing a critical need for trust, resilience, and seamless integration in future communication networks.
From the perspective of industry collaboration, the recognition also highlights the role of partnerships in driving innovation. Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry, pointed out that the awards celebrate projects that not only demonstrate technical excellence but also deliver measurable outcomes. He emphasized that open collaboration between organizations is key to solving complex challenges and scaling solutions globally.
For Keysight, the award underscores its leadership in test and measurement technologies, particularly in the context of aerospace, defense, and advanced communications. Eric Taylor, Vice President of Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions, highlighted the importance of trust, assurance, and autonomy as non-terrestrial networks move toward commercial readiness. He noted that the company’s expertise in measurement and analytics, combined with AI-driven insights, enables unprecedented visibility into hybrid networks.
This visibility is crucial for operators seeking to deploy resilient and standards-based NTN services. By providing detailed insights into network performance and enabling real-time anomaly detection, the solution helps accelerate the transition from experimental deployments to fully operational systems.
For Sateliot, the recognition validates its efforts to position itself as a leader in satellite-based connectivity. Albert Pujol, Chief Information Officer, подчеркнул that the award reflects the strength of the company’s research and development capabilities. He emphasized that the collaboration with Keysight has resulted in a trusted architecture that not only delivers global connectivity but also enhances resilience and operational autonomy.
The broader implications of this project extend beyond the immediate use case. As the telecommunications industry evolves toward 6G, the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks will play a critical role in enabling new applications and services. These may include advanced IoT deployments, autonomous systems, and next-generation communication platforms that require reliable connectivity in diverse environments.
In this context, the ability to ensure trust and reliability across hybrid networks becomes a foundational requirement. Solutions like the one developed by Keysight and Sateliot demonstrate how emerging technologies can be combined to meet these requirements, paving the way for more robust and scalable network architectures.
The recognition at Mobile World Congress 2026 also highlights the importance of global platforms for showcasing innovation. As one of the largest and most influential events in the telecommunications industry, the conference provides an opportunity for companies to present their latest advancements and engage with stakeholders from across the ecosystem.
In conclusion, the award received by Keysight and Sateliot represents a significant milestone in the development of next-generation communication technologies. By addressing critical challenges in non-terrestrial network integration and leveraging advanced technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning, the project contributes to the ongoing evolution of 5G and the emergence of 6G. As the industry continues to push the boundaries of connectivity, such innovations will play a key role in shaping the future of global communications.
Source link: https://www.businesswire.com
