Airspan to Deploy 5G ATG System for Space Compass’s Stratospheric Maritime Surveillance
Event summary
- Airspan will deploy a 5G Air-to-Ground (ATG) system for Space Compass’s High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to enable maritime surveillance from 16–18 km altitude.
- The system will provide secure command-and-control and real-time mission data between HAPS aircraft and ground stations up to 300 km away.
- Airspan’s 5G In-Motion ATG technology will offer high-speed data rates, wide-area maritime coverage, and continuous 360-degree connectivity.
- Light plane operations testing is scheduled for 2026, with stratospheric flight trials planned for 2027.
The big picture
This collaboration highlights the growing intersection of 5G connectivity and high-altitude platforms, enabling new applications in maritime domain awareness. The project demonstrates how 5G can extend beyond terrestrial networks to support persistent monitoring of remote ocean areas, aligning with broader trends in advanced wireless connectivity and aerospace innovation.
What we're watching
- Technical Feasibility
- Whether Airspan’s 5G ATG system can deliver reliable connectivity from stratospheric altitudes.
- Market Expansion
- How this partnership positions Airspan in the emerging high-altitude surveillance market.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- Potential regulatory hurdles for stratospheric maritime surveillance applications.
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