Space Information Networks

Abstract

The eight articles in this special section focus on space information networks. With the growing demand for real-time communications anywhere for anyone, satellite communications are widely expended using different platforms on geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites and medium/low Earth orbit (M/LEO) satellites. However, suffering from scarce frequency/orbit resources and limitation of satellite platform capacity, there is a demand for the development of new space network infrastructures to supplement and extend the satellite communication systems. The space information networks are integrated networks based on various space platforms including GEO, M/LEO satellites, and airships on high altitude platform stations (HAPSs) to support real-time communications, massive data transmission and processing, and systematized information services. In the last decade, many Internet giants have proposed various space information network development projects aimed at providing Internet access anywhere and at any place for everyone globally. Compared to terrestrial networks, space information networks have broader application areas and wider coverage, which may expand human activities to space, high seas, and even outer space.