Tiami Networks plans 2027 in-orbit 5G ISAC demo

Tiami Networks said it will start a series of PolySpace in-orbit demonstrations in July 2027, beginning with a passive-sensing mission on a Blackwing Space nanosatellite. The program is meant to test 5G non-terrestrial network integrated sensing and communications in space and could point to satellites that do double duty as communications and radar-like sensors.

Why it matters: - PolySpace is designed to test whether future 5G and 6G satellite networks can provide connectivity and sensing from the same platform. - The concept could reduce the need for separate sensing systems and expand satellite uses in aviation safety, space-domain awareness, object monitoring and detect-and-avoid functions. - Tiami Networks wants to extend its terrestrial integrated sensing and communications architecture into orbit.

What happened: - Tiami Networks announced a planned series of in-orbit demonstrations for PolySpace, its space-based 5G Integrated Sensing and Communications initiative. - The first mission is targeted for July 2027 and is intended to be the world’s first in-orbit 5G ISAC demonstration. - The initial flight will use communications transmissions as signals of opportunity for passive sensing. - The payload is planned to fly aboard a Blackwing Space nanosatellite through a commercial rideshare mission to low Earth orbit. - Blackwing Space will provide a Kestrel 3U XL platform, payload integration and launch access.

The details: - Tiami’s proposed architecture includes ISAC sensing algorithms, artificial intelligence and software such as the PolyRAN OCUDU application and PolySense API. - The system is designed to extract radar sensing information from communications waveforms using delay, Doppler and other signal characteristics. - AI will be used to support moving target classification. - The first PolySpace mission is planned to demonstrate passive ISAC in the S-band spectrum from a space-based platform. - Later missions are planned to add active and cooperative sensing and move toward a full 5G NTN ISAC implementation. - The development roadmap runs from system specifications and interface definitions to sensing-algorithm development, payload construction, environmental testing and launch. - Tiami said the program will progress through mission design, payload integration and environmental testing before flight.

Between the lines: - The project reflects a broader push to turn communications satellites into dual-use sensing platforms. - Tiami’s long-term vision is to make broadband 4G and 5G satellites, including large commercial megaconstellations, function like software-defined radar sensors. - The company already demonstrated space-to-ground ISAC in February 2026 at Playas Research and Training Center in New Mexico, using a Starlink Direct-to-Cell 4G LTE transmission to support helicopter detection. - The next technical step is sensing from a space-based platform using ground-to-space signals. - Paul Anderson, founder and CEO of Blackwing Space, said the mission fits the company’s nanosatellite platforms and could help move ISAC from terrestrial validation to orbit.

What’s next: - Tiami expects additional mission details as partner roles, technical architecture, commercial agreements and the flight schedule are finalized. - Following the July 2027 demonstration, planned flight iterations are expected to expand the architecture toward full 5G NTN integrated communications and sensing. - Tiami says the initial mission is a technology demonstration, not an operational sensing service.

The bottom line: - PolySpace is Tiami’s bid to prove that future satellite networks can both carry traffic and sense the environment, starting with a passive in-orbit test in 2027.