Mega-Constellation Design for Integrated Satellite-Terrestrial Networks for Global Seamless Connectivity

Abstract

In this letter, we study the integrated satellite-terrestrial network where users can access the core network by the backhaul links via both multi-layer satellites in the space and terrestrial access points on the ground. The mega-constellation design for such an integrated satellite-terrestrial network is investigated to realize the global seamless connectivity and provide high-rate backhaul transmission. First, we propose a theoretical framework for the average uplink capacity analysis. Second, based on the developed theoretical framework, we design a mega satellite constellation given the capacity of terrestrial backhaul links for realizing the global connectivity with the minimum satellite number. Simulation results show that as the terrestrial infrastructures are distributed more evenly in latitude, the designed mega-constellation first requires more satellites and then remains unchanged regardless of the terrestrial transmission capacity of high-latitude user terminals.