The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a three-year development contract to evaluate whether blockchain-based technologies can strengthen anomaly detection and operational security across 5G non-terrestrial networks. The project is intended to examine how emerging technologies can enhance the resilience of satellite-enabled communications as terrestrial and space-based networks become increasingly interconnected.
Keysight Technologies has been appointed as the prime contractor for the initiative, while satellite Internet of Things provider Sateliot will contribute to technical development and support the integration of satellite missions. The project is being carried out under ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity program line, which forms part of the agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program.
The initiative will explore how blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital calibration certificates can work together to create verifiable and tamper-resistant records throughout the lifecycle of satellite communications infrastructure. Researchers will examine applications spanning satellite manufacturing, calibration procedures, in-orbit operations, and the delivery of communication services.
The three-year ESA-backed project will evaluate whether blockchain technology can strengthen security, anomaly detection, and trust across 5G non-terrestrial satellite networks while laying the foundation for future 6G communications.
Blockchain and AI to Enhance Network Trust
The participating organizations will investigate whether blockchain-based trust mechanisms can improve the integrity of operational records while reducing the risk of unauthorized modifications. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies will also be tested to determine their ability to identify network anomalies automatically and respond to potential threats more effectively.
Digital calibration certificates are expected to play an important role by establishing verifiable records that can authenticate equipment and operational processes throughout the satellite ecosystem. Together, these technologies are intended to improve transparency and provide stronger security assurances across increasingly complex communications networks.
The project will advance through several stages, beginning with laboratory research and prototype development before progressing to a full in-orbit demonstration. During the final phase, researchers will assess blockchain-enabled trust mechanisms, autonomous anomaly detection capabilities, and secure telemetry within an operational satellite environment. The objective is to determine whether these technologies can function effectively under real-world conditions without compromising network performance.
In-Orbit Demonstration to Address Emerging Cyber Threats
ESA indicated that the initiative is designed to address the growing cybersecurity challenges associated with integrating satellite infrastructure into terrestrial mobile networks. As connectivity expands beyond conventional ground-based systems, the number of potential attack vectors also increases, creating greater exposure to cyber threats.
The agency believes the project could help protect interconnected terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications networks from risks such as spoofing, data tampering, and other malicious cyber activities. By creating immutable and verifiable operational records, blockchain technology may offer an additional layer of protection for critical communications infrastructure.
The project will culminate in an in-orbit demonstration to evaluate blockchain-based trust mechanisms, secure telemetry, and AI-driven anomaly detection under real operating conditions.
The findings are also expected to contribute to 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.
Industry participants will also assess whether blockchain-generated records and automated anomaly detection systems can verify network behavior without negatively affecting the scalability, speed, and efficiency required for 5G and future 6G services. The practical demonstration in orbit is expected to provide valuable evidence regarding the feasibility of deploying these technologies in commercial satellite communications.
If successful, the initiative could provide a practical framework for protecting future satellite-enabled mobile networks against cyber threats while supporting secure and scalable 5G and 6G connectivity.