Satellite Networks for Communication, Positioning, Navigation and Timing

Dear Colleagues,

We are in the midst of a significant interest, triggering growing research efforts on the next telecommunication evolution, known as 6G. The main reason for this phenomenon is the potential for true global broadband connectivity, which present 5G systems fail to provide. An important mean of offering true global communication services is employing satellite technologies, which also improve mobility and resilience. Meanwhile, modern telecommunication systems are not limited to only providing communication services. Already, 5G systems provide positioning services through the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), and this trend will be enhanced with 6G, since positioning is crucial for global coverage and improved network performance. Incorporating satellite technology into future telecommunication networks is a key trend in the development of 6G. While GNSS, based on Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, currently forms the backbone of positioning technologies, there is a significant interest in Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT) services offered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega-constellation satellites. Such systems will facilitate PNT as well as communication services directly to 6G cells or even to user terminals. The envisaged future for satellite technology comprises a multi-layer approach where telecommunication and PNT services are provided by a network of MEO and LEO satellites, augmented by Geostationary satellites. These systems will be integrated with other telecommunication networks, such as air-based and ground-based systems, resulting in a Space Air Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN) providing true global coverage, constituting the next evolution of telecommunications. Presently, standardization organizations, such as 3GPP, are dedicated to the advancement of SAGIN (see, for example, 3GPP NTN Releases 17-19).

This Special Issue addresses the challenges of system analysis and design of advanced satellite networks for communication, positioning, navigation and timing, providing a timely and long-lasting resource base for this important technological segment. Suitable topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Integration of satellite, air and ground communication systems.
• Multi-layer PNT.
• Security and reliability aspects.
• AI-empowered SAGIN.
• LEO mega constellation satellites for PNT and communication services.
• Multi-satellite direct to device and direct to cell technologies.
• Technologies for satellite access networks.
• Standardization activities.
• Satellite IoT and its integration with ground systems.
• Applications such as in emergency situations, maritime systems, smart cities, and smart farming.
• Tensor-based techniques for integrated space, air and ground networks.
• Inter-satellite links.
• Optical technologies.
• Physical layer techniques.
• On-board processing.
• Antenna technologies.
• Resource allocation.
• Software-defined technologies.
• Lunar and deep-space applications.
• Quantum techniques.
• Computer simulation techniques.

Prof. Dr. Harry Leib
Prof. Dr. Hong-Chuan Yang
Guest Editors

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• integrated space air ground networks
• position navigation and timing
• satellite access networks
• inter-satellite communication
• satellite integration with 6G
• satellite IoT