Airbus’ SpaceRAN bet: a 5G “base station in space” is coming, with a 2027 in‑orbit demo
Airbus is stepping up efforts to bring 5G performance to space-based networks. On January 14, 2026, Airbus UpNext unveiled “SpaceRAN,” a demonstrator designed to test standardized global 5G Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity. (Airbus) This is crucial today as satellite connectivity expands rapidly,