Satellite Link Emulation

Satellite links are casting another type of challenge for the simulating of radio link conditions, compared to the terrestrial and cellular communication links. The main differences in the NTN and satellite links are the much greater delay, bigger amount of frequency error, mainly in the form of a Doppler effect caused by the movement of the satellites, and the bigger path loss, when signal is propagating through the atmosphere long distances from ground to satellite and back. This application note showcases how the Keysight testing environment can be utilized to overcome these abovementioned challenges while developing and deploying the 5G NTN solutions. The Keysight portfolio is utilized, in the form of signal generators, network analyzers and PROPSIM channel emulation platform.

Satellite Design Lifecycle

Poster of an entire Satellite design lifecycle, definitions, equations, information and more.

Satellite Communications Demonstrator

Cross-Domain Automated Satellite Simulator

Satellite Communication Modulation Techniques

Focuses on modulation techniques for modern satellite communications from generating and analyzing the signals to the impacts of phase noise on modulation quality.

Modulation Techniques for Satellite Communications

Focuses on modulation techniques for modern satellite communications from generating and analyzing the signals to the impacts of phase noise on modulation quality.

The Ins and Outs of Satellite Communications

Getting a refresh on the fundamental aspects impacting satellite communications (SATCOM) is more critical than ever, as new market opportunities fuel the commercialization of space. Much of this activity focuses on the low Earth orbit (LEO) because of decreasing launch costs and the increased functionality of smaller, lighter satellites. These satellites support various use cases, including fifth-generation (5G) and eventually sixth-generation (6G) cellular non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Examples include communications coverage over vast distances and enhanced situational awareness on the ground for military and critical communications. Rapid development creates unique challenges when designing and building these complex systems, including the orbits involved, link budgets, antennas, modulation standards, and the need to thoroughly test these systems. By understanding the various factors and their impact on design, satellite developers can optimize performance throughout the satellite development life cycle, regardless of orbit and application. To ensure optimized performance throughout the satellite life cycle, manufacturers and network operators must account for unique variables such as Doppler shift, ionosphere distortion, and atmospheric losses. They also need to ensure that satellite systems can navigate the crowded electromagnetic spectrum — a landscape that will only grow more congested as commercialization continues. Testing for situational awareness will be a significant part of effectively managing space traffic as new systems go into orbit. By modernizing your strategies to account for these and other challenges, you can play a pioneering role in the next phase of the space gold rush.

LEO Satellite Signal Simulation

Learn how to simulate low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite signals using the Keysight M8190A AXIe arbitrary waveform generator. This demonstration shows how digital upconversion (DUC) creates Doppler frequency shifts and amplitude variations while maintaining a repeating QPSK waveform for satellite signal testing.

Reliable Satellite Testing and Remote Monitoring

Power measurements are critical for conducting satellite tests. Learn how to perform long-term remote monitoring of satellites with USB power sensors.

Satellite Communication Modeling Challenges

Learn how overcome your satellite communication challenges using SystemVue and STK.

Satellite Signal Monitoring, Reference Solution

This brochure describes the Keysight satellite signal monitoring and reference solution, including recommended modular hardware and software.

Optical Communications: The Next Satellite Frontier

Falling costs and lower barriers to entry drive reusability, integration, and standardization in optical communications for satellite systems used in aerospace and defense.

Satellite Battery Testing in Aerospace and Defense

Learn how Keysight high-power ATE system power supplies enable safe, regenerative, and automation-ready validation of satellite batteries under mission conditions—accelerating integration, cutting energy costs, and ensuring uncompromised performance for aerospace and defense programs.

5G NR NTN Satellite Connectivity

Explore 5G NR non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite connectivity testing with Keysight’s UXM 5G test platform and UE emulation. This demonstration covers test configuration, satellite orbit modeling, Doppler and delay compensation, connection monitoring, and connection reestablishment between emulated low Earth orbit satellite cells.

Satellite Payload Testing in Aerospace and Defense

Discover how Keysight high-power ATE system power supplies enable faster, safer, and more energy-efficient validation of satellite payloads under realistic mission conditions, ensuring mission assurance with regenerative hardware, precise measurement, and automation-ready workflows trusted by leading aerospace and defense programs worldwide.

Satellite Earth Stations: Validation, Maintenance and Repair

A satellite communications system is comprised of two segments, one operating in space and one operating on earth. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the space and ground segments found in a typical satellite communications system. The space segment includes a diverse set of spacecraft technologies varying in operating frequency, coverage area and function. The satellite orbit is typically related to the application. For example, about half of the orbiting satellites operate in a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) that maintains a fixed position above the earth’s equator. These GEO satellites provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) including broadcast television and radio. The location of GEO satellites result in limited coverage to the polar regions. For navigation systems requiring complete global coverage, constellations of satellites operate in a lower altitude, namely in the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), that move around the earth in 2-24 hour orbits. At even lower altitudes, namely in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), satellites provide applications which include remote sensing and mobile communications. The International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope also operate in LEO.

Defying Gravity: Part 2 Satellite Interlinks

This is a solution brief regarding space tech solutions for satellite interlinks.

SATELLITE 2025 Exhibition Teaser Video

Take a short walk through the SATELLITE 2025 exhibition floor with us.

Satellite Test Solution for Field and Lab Applications

Learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot satellite ground stations and end-user terminals that support satellite networks. Our brief describes a portable, accurate RF satellite test solution based on the FieldFox microwave analyzer. It verifies the performance of amplifiers, frequency converters, over-the-air (OTA) signal quality, transmit power, and more.

Satellite Testing and Interference Detection Challenges

Learn how the new features of Keysight’s PXA, offer tools you need to design, test and deliver your next breakthrough in satellite communications testing.

Satellite Mission Assurance with Keysight Technologies

As the space industry experiences disruption not seen since the original space race, numerous companies are gearing up to provide space-based capabilities with new risk profiles, increased volumes, and decreased costs. Established businesses are adapting to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether it is high-throughput satellite (HTS) microwave payloads or telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C), Keysight’s design and validation tools provide greater assurance that your satellite and its subsystems work the duration of the mission.