Thermosphere joint observations by TM-1 constellations and Swarm-B during the April 2023 geomagnetic storm

The response of thermosphere density to geomagnetic storms is a complicated physical process.Multi-satellite joint observations at the same altitude but different local times(LTs)are important for understanding this process;however,until now such studies have hardly been done.In this report,we analyze in detail the thermosphere mass density response at 510 km during the April 23−24,2023 geomagnetic storm using data derived from the TM-1(TianMu-1)satellite constellation and Swarm-B satellites.The observations show that there were significant LT differences in the hemispheric asymmetry of the thermosphere mass density during the geomagnetic storm.Densities observed by satellite TM02 at nearly 11.3 and 23.3 LTs were larger in the northern hemisphere than in the southern.The TM04 dayside density observations appear to be almost symmetrical with respect to the equator,though southern hemisphere densities on the nightside were higher.Swarm-B data exhibit near-symmetry between the hemispheres.In addition,the mass density ratio results show that TM04 nightside observations,TM02 data,and Swarm-B data all clearly show stronger effects in the southern hemisphere,except for TM04 on the dayside,which suggest hemispheric near-symmetry.The South-North density enhancement differences in TM02 and TM04 on dayside can reach 130%,and Swarm-B data even achieve 180%difference.From the observations of all three satellites,large-scale traveling atmospheric disturbances(TADs)first appear at high latitudes and propagate to low latitudes,thereby disturbing the atmosphere above the equator and even into the opposite hemisphere.NRLMSISE00 model simulations were also performed on this geomagnetic storm.TADs are absent in the NRLMSISE00 simulations.The satellite data suggest that NRLMSISE00 significantly underestimates the magnitude of the density response of the thermosphere during geomagnetic storms,especially at high latitudes in both hemispheres.Therefore,use of the density simulation of NRLMSISE00 may lead to large errors in satellite drag calculations and orbit predictions.We suggest that the high temporal and spatial resolution of direct density observations by the TM-1 constellation satellites can provide an autonomous and reliable basis for correction and improvement of atmospheric models.

Segment routing for traffic engineering and effective recovery in low-earth orbit satellite constellations

Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations(LEO-SCs)provide global,high-speed,and low latency Internet access services,which bridges the digital divide in the remote areas.As inter-satellite links are not supported in initial deployment(i.e.the Starlink),the communication between satellites is based on ground stations with radio frequency signals.Due to the rapid movement of satellites,this hybrid topology of LEO-SCs and ground stations is time-varying,which imposes a major challenge to uninterrupted service provisioning and network management.In this paper,we focus on solving two notable problems in such a ground station-assisted LEO-SC topology,i.e.,traffic engineering and fast reroute,to guarantee that the packets are forwarded in a balanced and uninterrupted manner.Specifically,we employ segment routing to support the arbitrary path routing in LEO-SCs.To solve the traffic engineering problem,we proposed two source routings with traffic splitting algorithms,Delay-Bounded Traffic Splitting(DBTS)and DBTS+,where DBTS equally splits a flow and DBTS+favors shorter paths.Simu-lation results show that DBTS+can achieve about 30%lower maximum satellite load at the cost of about 10%more delay.To guarantee the fast recovery of failures,two fast reroute mechanisms,Loop-Free Alternate(LFA)and LFA+,are studied,where LFA pre-computes an alternate next-hop as a backup while LFA+finds a 2-segment backup path.We show that LFA+can increase the percentage of protection coverage by about 15%.

Progress of Radiation Belt Exploration by a Constellation of Small Satellites TGCSS/SGRB, COSPAR

A COnstellation of Radiation BElt Survey(CORBES)program is proposed by the Sub-Group on Radiation Belt(SGRB)of TGCSS,COSPAR.To address the open qustions about the dynamics of the Earth’s radiation belt,CORBES mission would use a constellation of small/CubeSats to take an ultra-fast survey of the Earth’s radiation belt.The concept,science objectives and preliminary technical design of CORBES are introduced.This mission is an international multilateral cooperation mission coordinated by COSPAR.The SGRB Science Activities and COSPAR HQs Coordinate Activities on CORBES are summaried.

A Parallel Discrete Event Simulation Engine for the Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Constellation Networks

Low-Earth-Orbit satellite constellation networks(LEO-SCN)can provide low-cost,largescale,flexible coverage wireless communication services.High dynamics and large topological sizes characterize LEO-SCN.Protocol development and application testing of LEO-SCN are challenging to carry out in a natural environment.Simulation platforms are a more effective means of technology demonstration.Currently available simulators have a single function and limited simulation scale.There needs to be a simulator for full-featured simulation.In this paper,we apply the parallel discrete-event simulation technique to the simulation of LEO-SCN to support large-scale complex system simulation at the packet level.To solve the problem that single-process programs cannot cope with complex simulations containing numerous entities,we propose a parallel mechanism and algorithms LP-NM and LP-YAWNS for synchronization.In the experiment,we use ns-3 to verify the acceleration ratio and efficiency of the above algorithms.The results show that our proposed mechanism can provide parallel simulation engine support for the LEO-SCN.

Dynamic access task scheduling of LEO constellation based on space-based distributed computing

A dynamic multi-beam resource allocation algorithm for large low Earth orbit(LEO)constellation based on on-board distributed computing is proposed in this paper.The allocation is a combinatorial optimization process under a series of complex constraints,which is important for enhancing the matching between resources and requirements.A complex algorithm is not available because that the LEO on-board resources is limi-ted.The proposed genetic algorithm(GA)based on two-dimen-sional individual model and uncorrelated single paternal inheri-tance method is designed to support distributed computation to enhance the feasibility of on-board application.A distributed system composed of eight embedded devices is built to verify the algorithm.A typical scenario is built in the system to evalu-ate the resource allocation process,algorithm mathematical model,trigger strategy,and distributed computation architec-ture.According to the simulation and measurement results,the proposed algorithm can provide an allocation result for more than 1500 tasks in 14 s and the success rate is more than 91%in a typical scene.The response time is decreased by 40%com-pared with the conditional GA.

Kullback-Leibler Divergence Based ISAC Constellation and Beamforming Design in the Presence of Clutter

Integrated sensing and communication(ISAC)is regarded as a pivotal technology for 6G communication.In this paper,we employ Kullback-Leibler divergence(KLD)as the unified performance metric for ISAC systems and investigate constellation and beamforming design in the presence of clutters.In particular,the constellation design problem is solved via the successive convex approximation(SCA)technique,and the optimal beamforming in terms of sensing KLD is proven to be equivalent to maximizing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio(SINR)of echo signals.Numerical results demonstrate the tradeoff between sensing and communication performance under different parameter setups.Additionally,the beampattern generated by the proposed algorithm achieves significant clutter suppression and higher SINR of echo signals compared with the conventional scheme.

Polar-Coded Modulation Based on the Amplitude Phase Shift Keying Constellations

In this paper, we investigate the polarization effect of the amplitude phase shift keying(APSK) constellations. We find that the polarization effect of the APSK constellations is affected by the bit mapping and the bit loading. Traditionally, the Gray mapping is usually adopted in APSK constellations. Based on the given Gray mapping, we firstly propose the bit interleaved coded modulation polar-APSK(BICM-PA) scheme, which neglects the correlations between the bit levels by using the bit interleaver. In the BICM-PA scheme, a new metric called cumulative Bhattacharyya parameter is introduced to optimize the bit loading of the APSK constellations under the Gray mapping. Second, the multilevel coded modulation polar-APSK(MLCM-PA) is proposed to further improve the performance. A twostage optimization approach is adopted to select the bit mapping and the bit loading in the MLCM-PA scheme. The semi-set partitioning mapping is introduced to achieve a better system performance in the MLCM-PA scheme. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of all the proposed metrics. In addition to this, BICM-PA and MLCM-PA both outperform the coded modulation Turbo-APSK scheme up to 1 dB.

6G Service Coverage with Mega Satellite Constellations

The rapid development and continuous updating of the mega satellite constellation(MSC)have brought new visions for the future 6G coverage extension, where the global seamless signal coverage can realize ubiquitous services for user terminals. However, global traffic demands present nonuniform characteristics. Therefore, how to ensure the on-demand service coverage for the specific traffic demand, i.e., the ratio of traffic density to service requirement per unit area, is the core issue of 6G wireless coverage extension exploiting the MSC. To this regard, this paper first discusses the open challenges to reveal the future direction of 6G wireless coverage extension from the perspective of key factors affecting service coverage performance, i.e., the network access capacity, space segment capacity and their matchingrelationship. Furthermore, we elaborate on the key factors affecting effective matchings of the aforementioned aspects, thereby improving service coverage capability.

Conceptual Design Process for LEO Satellite Constellations Based on System Engineering Disciplines

Satellite design process is an interdisciplinary subject in which the need for collaboration among various science and engineering disciplines is evident.Meanwhile,finding an optimal process for conceptual design of a satellite,which can optimize time and cost,is still an important issue.In this paper,based on system engineering approach,an optimal design process is proposed for LEO satellite constellations.In the proposed method,design process,design sequences,and data flow are established.In this regard,the conceptual design process is divided into two levels of mission(or constellation)and system(or satellite)as well as 15 main activities based on the mission profile,previous experiences of the authors,and existing literature.Then,the relationships between these activities have been determined by considering the importance of relationships according to their priority.Finally,these relations are optimized based on design structure matrix(DSM).By utilizing this approach,system design process of a telecommunication satellite constellation in LEO is formulated in conceptual design phase.Performance and capability of the proposed approach in optimal design process of the satellite constellation are investigated by comparing the outcome with existing results in the literature.

Four-Dimensional Signal Constellations Based on Binary Frequency-Shift Keying and <i>M</i>-ary Amplitude-Phase-Shift Keying

In this article, we give the construction of new four-dimensional signal constellations in the Euclidean space, which represent a certain combination of binary frequency-shift keying (BFSK) and M-ary amplitude-phase-shift keying (MAPSK). Description of such signals and the formulas for calculating the minimum squared Euclidean distance are presented. We have developed an analytic building method for even and odd values of M. Hence, no computer search and no heuristic methods are required. The new optimized BFSK-MAPSK (M = 5,6,···,16) signal constructions are built for the values of modulation indexes h =0.1,0.15,···,0.5 and their parameters are given. The results of computer simulations are also provided. Based on the obtained results we can conclude, that BFSK-MAPSK systems outperform similar four-dimensional systems both in terms of minimum squared Euclidean distance and simulated symbol error rate.

Analysis of the Impact of Large Constellations on the Space Debris Environment and Countermeasures

Large constellations have developed rapidly in recent years because of their unique advantages, but they will inevitably have a major negative impact on the space debris environment, leading to its deterioration. The key to mitigate the impact is the success rate and duration of the post-mission disposal(PMD) process. Aiming at solving this problem, this paper further studies the impact of large constellations on other space assets under different PMD strategies through simulation, and proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions for mitigation.According to One Web’s large constellation launch plan, the dangerous intersection of the large constellation with existing space assets at different stages of the constellations life cycle is calculated by simulation. Based on this, the influence of the large constellation operation on existing space assets at different times and strategies of PMD is analyzed. The conclusion shows that in the PMD stage, large constellations have the greatest impact on existing space assets;the PMD duration and number of satellites performing PMD at the same time are key factors to the degree of negative impact. The faster the PMD is, the less threat it poses to other spacecraft. More results and conclusions are still being analyzed.

New bounds on the mutual information for discrete constellations and application to wireless channel estimation

The lack of closed-form expressions of the mutual information for discrete constellations has limited its uses for analyzing reliable communication over wireless fading channels.In order to address this issue,this paper proposes analytically-tractable lower bounds on the mutual information based on Arithmetic-Mean-Geometric-Mean(AMGM)inequality.The new bounds can apply to a wide range of discrete constellations and reveal some insights into the rate behavior at moderate to high Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR)values.The usability of the bounds is further demonstrated to approximate the optimum pilot overhead in stationary fading channels.

Giorgio Vasari’s Celestial Utopia of Whimsy and Joy:Constellations,Zodiac Signs,and Grotesques

This study elaborates on the decoration of the ceiling in the refectory of the former Monteoliveto monastery in Naples,today part of the church of Sant’Anna dei Lombardi.It consists of three parts:an explanation of the ceiling design with its geometrical configurations of circles,octagons,hexagons,ovals,and squares;an iconographical analysis solely focusing on the ceiling decoration,which consists of grotesques,constellations,and zodiac signs;and a discussion of some of the literary and visual sources employed in the decoration.The Florentine Mannerist painter Giorgio Vasari,aided by several assistants,renovated and painted the ceilings between 1544 and 1545.Don Giammateo d’Anversa,the Abbot General of the Monteolivetan Order in Naples,composed the iconographical program with the assistance of insightful suggestions from the Florentine Monteolivetan prior Don Miniato Pitti,who was Vasari’s patron and friend as well.This oversight inspired Vasari to paint a celestial utopia of hilarity and whimsicality on the Neapolitan ceiling,thus leavening the other imagery,which combined both religious and secular representations of moral virtues and divine laws.

SIGNAL CONSTELLATIONS DESIGN FOR DIFFERENTIAL UNITARY SPACE-TIME IN MIMO-OFDM SYSTEM OVER FREQUENCY-SELECTIVE FADING CHANNELS

In this paper, the design of signal constellations parameters is studied for Differential Unitary Space-Time Modulation (DUSTM) based on the design criterion of maximizing the diversity product. Further, noninteger searching method for the signal constellation parameters design is proposed in order to get better codes. Experimental results show that under the different Doppler spread and data transmission rate, the proposed design performs better than the previous design using integer parameters in Multiple Input Multiple Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) system over frequency-selective fading channels.

Uniquely Decomposable Constellation Group-Based Sparse Vector Coding for Short Packet Communications

Sparse vector coding(SVC)is emerging as a potential technology for short packet communications.To further improve the block error rate(BLER)performance,a uniquely decomposable constellation group-based SVC(UDCG-SVC)is proposed in this article.Additionally,in order to achieve an optimal BLER performance of UDCG-SVC,a problem to optimize the coding gain of UDCG-based superimposed constellation is formulated.Given the energy of rotation constellations in UDCG,this problem is solved by converting it into finding the maximized minimum Euclidean distance of the superimposed constellation.Simulation results demonstrate the validness of our derivation.We also find that the proposed UDCGSVC has better BLER performance compared to other SVC schemes,especially under the high order modulation scenarios.

Local-State Routing in Satellite Constellation Networks from the Perspective of Complex Network

Routing algorithms in satellite constellation networks usually make use of the local state information to adapt to the topology and traffic dynamics,since it’s difficult to obtain the global states in time due to the spatial large-scale feature of constellation networks.Furthermore,they use different range of local states and give these states distinct weights.However,the behind design criterion is ambiguous and often based on experience.This paper discusses the problem from the perspective of complex network.A universal local-state routing model with tunable parameters is presented to generalize the common characteristics of local-state routing algorithms for satellite constellation networks.Based on this,the impacts of localstate routing algorithms on performance and the correlation between routing and traffic dynamics are analyzed in detail.Among them,the tunable parameters,the congestion propagation process,the critical packet sending rate,and the network robustness are discussed respectively.Experimental results show that routing algorithms can achieve a satisfactory performance by maintaining a limited state awareness capability and obtaining the states in a range below the average path length.This provides a valuable design basis for routing algorithms in satellite constellation networks.

A Performance Evaluation Platform for Mega Satellite Constellation Network

With the rapid development of satellite technology, mega satellite constellations have become a research hotspot. A large number of related techniques have been developed on orbit topology, network routing, energy balance and resource control. However, it is difficult to accurately compare the performance of similar studies due to differences in the means of validation. Especially for invulnerability studies in many military applications, a unified evaluation system is essential. This paper proposes a network evaluation system for mega satellite constellations. Evaluation parameters include orbit topology, communication network, energy balance and invulnerability. Different application algorithms and traffic models were used to validate the specific system. .

Cooperative DVB-SH Satellite Broadcasting Systems with Rotated Signal Constellations

In this paper,we study the advantages of cooperation in broadcasting systems from a geosynchronous earth orbit(GEO)satellite to mobile terminals(MTs),achieved through a terrestrial complementary ground station(CGS) with fixed installment,which acts as a relay.Moreover and in the context of the digital video broadcasting-satellite-to-handheld(DVB-SH) standard,the performance improvements offered by the rotated constellations method are investigated,where prior transmission,a phase rotation of the transmitted symbols by a fixed angle is applied followed by a random component interleaver.Turbo codes with soft decision decoding and appropriate random channel interleavers are also considered.We present analytical expressions for the bit log-likelihood ratios(LLRs)that are needed for soft decision decoding at the MT turbo decoder,while the code combining technique is adapted to improve the end-to-end(E2E) performance.Then,we obtain through extensive computer simulations the average bit error probability(ABEP) of quadrature phase-shift keying(QPSK) signals received over pure land-mobile satellite(LMS)and pure CGS links for coding rates 1/3 and6/7.Moreover,the optimal rotation angles are obtained for both links.E2 E ABEP results are then presented assuming cooperation between GEO and CGS,while the power allocation issue is investigated under fixed total transmission power.Our performance evaluation results show that by using the constellation rotation technique,a performance gain can be achieved for high coding rates.

A Unified Bit-to-Symbol Mapping for Generalized Constellation Modulation

Gray mapping is a well-known way to improve the performance of regular constellation modulation,but it is challenging to be applied directly for irregular alternative.To address this issue,in this paper,a unified bit-to-symbol mapping method is designed for generalized constellation modulation(i.e.,regular and irregular shaping).The objective of the proposed approach is to minimize the average bit error probability by reducing the hamming distance(HD)of symbols with larger values of pairwise error probability.Simulation results show that the conventional constellation modulation(i.e.,phase shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation(QAM)with the proposed mapping rule yield the same performance as that of classical gray mapping.Moreover,the recently developed golden angle modulation(GAM)with the proposed mapping method is capable of providing around1 d B gain over the conventional mapping counterpart and offers comparable performance to QAM with Gray mapping.

Low Altitude Satellite Constellation for Futuristic Aerial-Ground Communications

This paper discusses the significance and prospects of low altitude small satellite aerial vehicles to ensure smooth aerial-ground communications for next-generation broadband networks.To achieve the generic goals of fifthgeneration and beyondwireless networks,the existing aerial network architecture needs to be revisited.The detailed architecture of low altitude aerial networks and the challenges in resource management have been illustrated in this paper.Moreover,we have studied the coordination between promising communication technologies and low altitude aerial networks to provide robust network coverage.We talk about the techniques that can ensure userfriendly control and monitoring of the low altitude aerial networks to bring forth wireless broadband connectivity to a new dimension.In the end,we highlight the future research directions of aerial-ground communications in terms of access technologies,machine learning,compressed sensing,and quantum communications.