Advancements in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid evolution of wireless communication systems is facilitating a shift toward three-dimensional network architectures integrating space, aerial, and terrestrial layers. Specifically, space-air-ground integrated networks combine satellite constellations, high-altitude platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, and terrestrial infrastructure into a unified framework. Consequently, this architecture enables global coverage, continuous connectivity in remote areas, and resilient communication during infrastructure disruptions. As telecommunications advances toward 6G, space-air-ground integrated networks become essential for achieving truly global service with integrated sensing-communication-computing capabilities across heterogeneous platforms.

However, the integration of these distinct network segments presents significant challenges. Key research areas include cross-layer resource allocation, mobility management spanning multiple altitudes, spectrum sharing across diverse platforms, secure and resilient network protocols, and Artificial Intelligence-driven autonomous network coordination. These challenges are further complicated by the unique characteristics of each network segment, including the high mobility of satellites, energy constraints of aerial nodes, and dynamic topology changes across the integrated architecture.

This topic invites high-quality research and review articles addressing theoretical foundations, technological enablers, and applications of space-air-ground integrated networks. Submissions from both academia and industry exploring novel architectures, protocols, and deployment strategies are welcome. Both theoretical analyses and experimental validations are encouraged to advance this emerging field.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Space-air-ground integrated networks architecture design and protocol standardization;
• Cross-layer resource allocation in heterogeneous environments;
• Mobility management across space, air, and ground segments;
• Energy efficiency and sustainable network operation;
• AI and machine learning for autonomous network orchestration;
• Security, privacy, and resilience in multi-layer architectures;
• Spectrum management and interference mitigation techniques;
• Performance modeling and optimization methodologies;
• Experimental testbeds and validation approaches;
• Applications enabled by space-air-ground integrated networks (emergency communications, smart transportation);
• Delay-tolerant networking for satellite-terrestrial communications;
• Edge computing strategies across network tiers;
• Beam management and adaptive antenna technologies;
• Network slicing and virtualization for resource optimization;
• Integration with terrestrial 5G/6G cellular systems;
• Inter-segment coordination and synchronization;
• Software-defined networking and virtualization for space-air-ground integrated networks;
• Quantum communications and post-quantum security;
• Economic models for multi-operator space-air-ground integrated networks deployment.

This topic aims to foster collaboration across satellite, aerial, and terrestrial communications communities to develop seamless space-air-ground integrated networks for future global connectivity.

Dr. Jiahui Li
Dr. Feng Wang
Dr. Hongyang Pan
Dr. Lingling Liu
Guest Editors

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