Abstract
In this paper, we propose an approach for constructing a multi-layer multi-orbit space information network (SIN) to provide high-speed continuous broadband connectivity for space missions (nanosatellite terminals) from the emerging space-based Internet providers. This notion has been motivated by the rapid developments in satellite technologies in terms of satellite miniaturization and reusable rocket launch, as well as the increased number of nanosatellite constellations in lower orbits for space downstream applications, such as earth observation, remote sensing, and Internet of Things (IoT) data collection. Specifically, space-based Internet providers, such as Starlink, OneWeb, and SES O3b, can be utilized for broadband connectivity directly to/from the nanosatellites, which allows a larger degree of connectivity in space network topologies. Besides, this kind of establishment is more economically efficient and eliminates the need for an excessive number of ground stations while achieving real-time and reliable space communications. This objective necessitates developing suitable radio access schemes and efficient scalable space backhauling using inter-satellite links (ISLs) and inter-orbit links (IOLs). Particularly, service-oriented radio access methods in addition to software-defined networking (SDN)-based architecture employing optimal routing mechanisms over multiple ISLs and IOLs are the most essential enablers for this novel concept. Thus, developing this symbiotic interaction between versatile satellite nodes across different orbits will lead to a breakthrough in the way that future downstream space missions and satellite networks are designed and operated.
Highlights
T HE recent swift developments in satellite technologies, in particular satellite and component miniaturization and reusable rocket carrying multiple small satellites in one launch, have facilitated space accessibility through relatively inexpensive means [1]
Even though much progress has been achieved in inter-satellite links (ISLs) for low earth orbit (LEO) systems, inter-orbit links (IOLs) have not been yet investigated for space-based Internet providers and their use has been mainly reserved for specialized geostationary orbit (GSO) data relay systems as in the European Data Relay Satellite System (EDRS) [12]
RESEARCH This article presents a disruptive approach to circumvent the connectivity issues encountered by various space downstream satellites in lower orbits via establishing a multilayer space information network (SIN) utilizes the advent space-based Internet providers to provide persistent broadband connectivity
Summary
T HE recent swift developments in satellite technologies, in particular satellite and component miniaturization and reusable rocket carrying multiple small satellites in one launch, have facilitated space accessibility through relatively inexpensive means [1]. Based on the recent satellite database released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) [9], number of NGSO satellites were launched into space has dramatically increased comparing to the traditional geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites. This database has revealed that the total operational satellites currently in orbit around Earth are 3,000 satellites with approximately 90% of them are NGSO systems. These space-based Internet systems aim at providing ubiquitous, high-speed, and low-latency broadband connectivity for the fixed and mobile users. The phase of developments in satellite communication systems will substantially change the way space missions are designed and operated in the near future
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