The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a three-year development contract to assess whether blockchain-based technologies can improve anomaly detection and operational security in 5G non-terrestrial networks. The project will examine how emerging technologies can reinforce the resilience of satellite-enabled communications as terrestrial and space-based networks become more closely connected.

Keysight Technologies has been named the prime contractor for the initiative. Satellite Internet of Things provider Sateliot will support technical development and assist with the integration of satellite missions. The work is being conducted under ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity program line, which is part of the agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program.

Non-terrestrial networks refer to communications systems that use space-based or airborne platforms, including satellites, to extend mobile connectivity beyond the reach of conventional ground infrastructure. Their integration into 5G and future 6G systems is increasing the need for security models that can operate across distributed assets, multiple operators, and long equipment lifecycles.

The initiative will study how blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital calibration certificates can be combined to produce verifiable, tamper-resistant records across the lifecycle of satellite communications infrastructure. Researchers will evaluate potential uses in satellite manufacturing, calibration processes, in-orbit operations, and communications service delivery.

The three-year ESA-backed effort is intended to determine whether blockchain technology can strengthen security, anomaly detection, and trust across 5G non-terrestrial satellite networks, while also helping establish groundwork for future 6G communications.

Blockchain and AI to Support Network Trust

The organizations involved will investigate whether blockchain-based trust mechanisms can improve the integrity of operational records and reduce the risk of unauthorized changes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems will also be tested for their ability to automatically detect network anomalies and support more effective responses to potential threats.

Digital calibration certificates are expected to be an important component of the work. These certificates can provide verifiable records used to authenticate equipment and operational processes across the satellite ecosystem. In combination, the technologies are intended to increase transparency and provide stronger security assurances for increasingly complex communications networks.

The project will proceed in several stages. It will begin with laboratory research and prototype development before moving toward a full in-orbit demonstration. In the final phase, researchers will evaluate blockchain-enabled trust mechanisms, autonomous anomaly detection capabilities, and secure telemetry in an operational satellite environment. The goal is to determine whether the technologies can operate under real-world conditions without degrading network performance.

In-Orbit Demonstration to Examine Cybersecurity Risks

ESA indicated that the initiative is designed to address the cybersecurity challenges emerging as satellite infrastructure becomes integrated with terrestrial mobile networks. As connectivity extends beyond traditional ground-based systems, the number of potential attack vectors grows, increasing exposure to cyber risks.

The agency believes the project could help protect interconnected terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications networks from threats such as spoofing, data tampering, and other malicious cyber activity. By creating immutable and verifiable operational records, blockchain technology may provide an additional protective layer for critical communications infrastructure.

The project will conclude with an in-orbit demonstration focused on evaluating blockchain-based trust mechanisms, secure telemetry, and AI-driven anomaly detection under real operating conditions.

The results are also expected to support the development of security frameworks for next-generation 6G satellite communications, where trusted data exchange and automated threat detection are likely to become increasingly important. Security work at this stage is relevant because future satellite-enabled mobile services may rely on automated network management and cross-domain coordination between ground and space infrastructure.

Industry participants will assess whether blockchain-generated records and automated anomaly detection systems can verify network behavior without harming the scalability, speed, or efficiency required for 5G and future 6G services. The in-orbit demonstration is expected to provide evidence on the feasibility of deploying these technologies in commercial satellite communications.

If the effort is successful, it could offer a practical framework for protecting future satellite-enabled mobile networks from cyber threats while supporting secure and scalable 5G and 6G connectivity.