Publications Conference paper · Mega-constellations · 2024

Integrating Satellite and Network Operations for NB-IoT NTN Connectivity: In-Orbit Test Design of the Constellation Management System

Arnau Singla, Anna Calveras, Francesc Betorz, Joan A. Ruiz-de-Azua, Juan A. Fraire, and Joan F. Munoz-Martin

International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Space Operations Symposium, pp. 738–749, 2024

Abstract

With the technological advancements in software and hardware and the cost reduction of satellite launches, there has been a surge in future planned Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations aimed at providing Internet of Things (IoT) services. Leveraging these constellations to extend terrestrial networks for global coverage has become a key focus, as evidenced by the standardization of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) by 3GPP. However, managing operations in satellite-based NTN poses significant challenges due to the intersection of satellite operations and network management, especially in sparse constellations with intermittent connectivity. Another challenge is the need for satellite operations to adhere to standard-compliant procedures, such as those set by 3GPP standards. This ensures satellite services align with established industry practices, facilitating interoperability and compatibility with existing network infrastructures. A Constellation Management System (CMS) has been developed in response to these challenges. This system is an autonomous framework designed to seamlessly integrate satellite and network operations. The CMS integrates all the necessary agents, coordinating satellite and network operations in this heterogeneous scenario by providing business policy- and resource-aware task schedules. This facilitates the alignment of contact and task plans for satellites, ground station networks, and core networks, ultimately enabling the extension of existing terrestrial networks through satellite-based NTN. This work presents a plan to validate this novel approach through a dedicated CubeSat mission scheduled eventually for the end of 2024.

Cite

DOI 10.52202/078367-0079

BibTeX

@inproceedings{singla2024cmsiac,
  author    = {Singla, Arnau and Calveras, Anna and Betorz, Francesc and Ruiz-de-Azua, Joan A. and Fraire, Juan A. and Munoz-Martin, Joan F.},
  title     = {Integrating Satellite and Network Operations for {NB-IoT} {NTN} Connectivity: In-Orbit Test Design of the Constellation Management System},
  booktitle = {International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Space Operations Symposium},
  pages     = {738--749},
  publisher = {IAF},
  year      = {2024},
  doi       = {10.52202/078367-0079}
}

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