At the IMS 2026 booth 20088, everything RF captured NASA, Ansys (Synopsys), and Keysight Technologies, showcasing a collaborative hardware-in-the-loop demonstration focused on enabling communications for future lunar missions. The demonstration was presented by Shawn Carpenter, Program Director, 5G/6G & Space, Synopsys, and Robert Stephens, 5G/FutureG/NTN/ISAC Solutions Architect, Keysight, highlighting a virtual prototyping environment designed to evaluate communication systems before deployment on the Moon.
The setup replicated a realistic lunar scenario by combining RF simulation, propagation modeling, channel emulation, and real-time wireless testing. Using NASA’s lunar terrain data, the team modeled a 4G network operating around 2200 MHz, consisting of a base station and two mobile user nodes representing lunar vehicles moving across the Moon’s surface. The system enabled end-to-end transmission of multiple HD video streams, demonstrating support for high-data-rate links required for future missions.
The workflow integrated multiple stages, including terrain and propagation modeling, antenna and RF system simulation, and ray tracing-based channel characterization, capturing key RF effects such as scattering, diffraction, and absorption. These modeled conditions were then passed into a channel emulator, where real radio hardware operated in a dynamically changing, Moon-like RF environment, enabling live validation and performance monitoring.
NASA has provided the lunar terrain data and mission context, forming the foundation of the simulation. Synopsys delivered RF system design and simulation tools, including antenna and system-level modeling. Ansys supported propagation modeling and ray tracing, enabling realistic characterization of signal behavior across lunar terrain. Keysight provided the channel emulation and hardware test platform, allowing real radios to operate within the emulated environment and enabling continuous monitoring of link performance.
The demonstration showed how combining simulation, digital modeling, and real hardware testing enables end-to-end validation of lunar communication systems. The approach highlights the role of virtual prototyping in reducing mission risk and accelerating the development of a reliable communication infrastructure for future lunar exploration.
Click here to learn more about Keysight Technologies and Ansys at everything RF.
IMS 2026 is the world’s premier RF and microwave conference, bringing together thousands of industry professionals from around the globe to explore the latest technologies, tools, and technical developments. everything RF has published a magazine for IMS 2026 that lists over 150 products featured by companies at IMS 2026.
