Publications Conference paper · Mega-constellations · 2024

A Novel Non-Terrestrial Networks Architecture: All Optical LEO Constellations with High-Altitude Ground Stations

Pablo G. Madoery, Juan A. Fraire, Jorge M. Finochietto, Halim Yanikomeroglu, and Gunes Karabulut Kurt

IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops), pp. 1115–1120, 2024

Abstract

The emergence of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mega-constellations is dynamically transforming the space sector. While free-space optical (FSO) links efficiently facilitate inter-satellite data forwarding, they suffer from atmospheric/weather conditions in the space-to-ground link. This study delves into utilizing high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) as elevated relay stations strategically positioned above terrestrial ground stations. We introduce the concept of high-altitude ground stations (HAGS), an innovative approach to enabling the development of all optical LEO satellite constellations. The first contribution is an analysis of the HAGS-based network architecture where the LEO spacecraft only hosts FSO transceivers. Secondly, we execute an extensive simulation campaign to determine the gain of HAGS, including a new equivalency model with the traditional ground station approach. Finally, we examine the research challenges of implementing HAGS-based, all optical LEO mega-constellations.

Cite

DOI 10.1109/iccworkshops59551.2024.10615868

BibTeX

@inproceedings{DBLP:conf/icc/MadoeryFFYK24,
  author    = {Pablo G. Madoery and Juan A. Fraire and Jorge M. Finochietto and Halim Yanikomeroglu and Gunes Karabulut Kurt},
  title     = {A Novel Non-Terrestrial Networks Architecture: All Optical {LEO} Constellations with High-Altitude Ground Stations},
  booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops)},
  pages     = {1115--1120},
  publisher = {{IEEE}},
  year      = {2024},
  doi       = {10.1109/iccworkshops59551.2024.10615868}
}

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