As software test automation has emerged as a key technology challenge in the satellite industry, Keysight is accelerating product and SW development with digital twin technology and AI-based satellite solutions.

Keysight announced on the 8th that in the results of a new survey titled Defying Gravity related to space technology, 76% of decision makers cited software test automation as one of the key technology challenges in the satellite industry.

The survey, commissioned by Keysight and conducted by Coleman Parkes Research, targeted space and satellite professionals. Respondents included satellite developers, manufacturers, subsystem suppliers, telecommunications operators and service providers in Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe.

According to the survey, 76% of industry professionals cited 'software test automation' as their top priority, followed by system-level modeling and simulation (53%) and design verification (46%). This shows the need for advanced automation and emulation tools that can accelerate the design and engineering process.

43% of respondents also said that ‘shortening product development time’ is the main trend. 37% said advanced payload systems, and 34% said artificial intelligence.

Keysight provides space and satellite solutions focused on the overall design and development product life cycle and ecosystem. It supports the entire satellite product life cycle from design through verification, and includes expertise in operations, ground stations, user terminals, and test of satellite payloads, radio frequency systems, and power subsystems.

Keysight said, “PathWave System Design (SystemVue) can accelerate product development through digital twin technology that emulates system-level designs in real-world scenarios.”

Additionally, Keysight is accelerating software development through the automation capabilities of its AI-based Eggplant test platform.

“The satellite industry is going through a period of profound change. The pace of technology development in commercial space is accelerating, dramatically reducing the time it takes to deliver new designs,” said Greg Patschke, general manager of Keysight’s Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions group. “Expertise in accurate simulation, emulation and test is more critical than ever to ensure successful mission completion and business success.”

“Keysight’s comprehensive design and verification tools enable us to have the confidence that our satellites and associated subsystems will perform successfully the first time, every time, from the beginning to the end of a mission,” Patzke added.