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%.

The principle of a navigation constellation composed of SIGSO communication satellites

The Chinese Area Positioning System （CAPS）, a navigation system based on geostafionary orbit （GEO） communication satellites, was developed in 2002 by astronomers at Chinese Academy of Sciences. Extensive positioning experiments of CAPS have been performed since 2005. On the basis of CAPS, this paper studies the principle of a navigation constellation composed of slightly inclined geostationary orbit （SIGSO） communication satellites. SIGSO satellites are derived from GEO satellites which are near the end of their operational life by inclined orbit operation. Considering the abundant frequency resources of SIGSO satellites, multi-frequency observations could be conducted to enhance the precision of pseudorange measurements and ameliorate the positioning performance. A constellation composed of two GEO satellites and four SIGSO satellites with an inclination of 5° can provide service to most of the territory of China with a maximum position dilution of precision （PDOP） over 24 h of less than 42. With synthetic utilization of the truncated precise code and a physical augmentation factor in four frequencies, the navigation system with this constellation is expected to obtain comparable positioning performance to that of the coarse acquisition code of the Global Positioning System （GPS）. When the new method of code-carrier phase combinations is adopted, the system has the potential to possess commensurate accuracy with the precise code in GPS. Additionally, the copious frequency resources can also be used to develop new anti-interference techniques and integrate navigation and communication.

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.

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.

Improving the spaceborne GNSS-R altimetric precision based on the novel multilayer feedforward neural network weighted joint prediction model

Global navigation satellite system-reflection(GNSS-R)sea surface altimetry based on satellite constellation platforms has become a new research direction and inevitable trend,which can meet the altimetric precision at the global scale required for underwater navigation.At present,there are still research gaps for GNSS-R altimetry under this mode,and its altimetric capability cannot be specifically assessed.Therefore,GNSS-R satellite constellations that meet the global altimetry needs to be designed.Meanwhile,the matching precision prediction model needs to be established to quantitatively predict the GNSS-R constellation altimetric capability.Firstly,the GNSS-R constellations altimetric precision under different configuration parameters is calculated,and the mechanism of the influence of orbital altitude,orbital inclination,number of satellites and simulation period on the precision is analyzed,and a new multilayer feedforward neural network weighted joint prediction model is established.Secondly,the fit of the prediction model is verified and the performance capability of the model is tested by calculating the R2 value of the model as 0.9972 and the root mean square error(RMSE)as 0.0022,which indicates that the prediction capability of the model is excellent.Finally,using the novel multilayer feedforward neural network weighted joint prediction model,and considering the research results and realistic costs,it is proposed that when the constellation is set to an orbital altitude of 500 km,orbital inclination of 75and the number of satellites is 6,the altimetry precision can reach 0.0732 m within one year simulation period,which can meet the requirements of underwater navigation precision,and thus can provide a reference basis for subsequent research on spaceborne GNSS-R sea surface altimetry.

Spectral Coexistence between LEO and GEO Satellites by Optimizing Direction Normal of Phased Array Antennas

This paper addresses the spectral coexistence between LEO constellation and GEO belt for global distributed earth stations. A specific method is introduced to mitigate the in-line interference by tilting the direction normal of phased array antennas of LEO satellites, and the optimal direction is found by solving a non-linear programming problem. The simulation results prove that the proposed approach leads to greater link availability while guaranteeing the desired received signal level especially for low-latitude earth stations.

Analysis of detection capabilities of LEO reconnaissance satellite constellation based on coverage performance

In the design problem of low earth orbit(LEO) reconnaissance satellite constellation, optimization of coverage performance is the design goal in most current methods. However,in the using process, the user only concerns with the detection capabilities rather than coverage performance. To establish the relationship between these two aspects, the reconnaissance processes of normal stochastic targets are considered and the mathematic models of detection processes are built. The indicators of coverage performance are used to evaluate the detection probability and expectation of detection time delay, which are important factors in reconnaissance constellation estimation viewed from military intelligence discipline. The conclusions confirmed by the final simulation will be useful in LEO reconnaissance constellation design, optimization and evaluation.

Satellite Constellation Design with Adaptively Continuous Ant System Algorithm

The ant system algorithm （ASA） has proved to be a novel meta-heuristic algorithm to solve many multivariable problems. In this paper, the earth coverage of satellite constellation is analyzed and a n ＋ 1^ -fold coverage rate is put forward to evaluate the coverage performance of a satellite constellation. An optimization model of constellation parameters is established on the basis of the coverage performance. As a newly developed method, ASA can be applied to optimize the constellation parameters. In order to improve the ASA, a rule for adaptive number of ants is proposed, by which the search range is obviously enlarged and the convergence speed increased. Simulation results have shown that the ASA is more quick and efficient than other methodV211.71s.

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.

Comparison between several satellite constellation schemes for MEO-TDRSS of China

The satellite constellation classes, which are suitable for the medium earth orbit tracking and data relay satellite system （MEO-TDRSS） of China, are investigated. On the basis of the functionality and the traffic distribution characteristic of MEO-TDRSS, the coverage performance and inter-satellite link properties of four different constellation schemes are compared by simulations. Simulation results indicate that the rosette and common-track constellations, whose satellites are distributed on the celestial sphere more uniformly, are appropriate for the implementation of MEO-TDRSS of China.

Simulation of earth gravity field using satellite constellation with variable inclination configuration

Based on a satellite constellation composed of two GRACE-type satellite formations with different inclinations(near polar orbit + low inclination) and the theory of repeat orbit cycle, we discuss the methods for selecting medium-low inclinations for global and local gravity fields. The effects of this constellation configuration on gravity field inversion are comparatively analyzed using a whole-course dynamics simulation. The results show that compared with the single GRACE-type satellite formation,the use of satellite constellations with different inclination configurations improves the gravity solution precision by 34%. The inclusion of multi-directional observations can improve the spatio-temporal resolution of the satellite missions, and yield gravity field solutions with higher isotropic sensitivity.Furthermore, it is necessary to select the optimal low inclination according to the study area, which will have a significant influence on the gravity field solution.

Reflection on Small Satellite Constellation Operations from the Commercial Space Perspective

With the advances of small satellite technology in commercial space sector,using small satellite networks to form a satellite constellation and conduct commercial operational services has entered into a vigorous phase of development.As small satellite technology develops,problems in the operations of small satellite constellations are also gradually emerging.These include ground measurement and operational control systems for small satellite constellations,the commercial operational mode,support and the guarantee of laws and regulations related to small satellites.This report discusses the development of commercial space small satellite operation industrialization,explores the small satellite operational modes and technological innovation,proposes the commercial space industry chain to build the industry ecology.At the same time,it looks forward to the integration of space and terrestrial communication.It also calls on relevant organizations of China to speed up the process of space legislation,formulate the relevant policies to encourage the operations of small satellites in commercial space sector,and push China’s commercial space to a new level.

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.

PACKET ROUTING ALGORITHM FOR LEO SATELLITE CONSTELLATION NETWORK

A novel distributed packet routing algorithm for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks based on spiderweb topology is presented. The algorithm gives the shortest path with very low computational complexity and without on-board routing tables, which is suitable and practical for on-board processing. Simulation results show its practicability and feasibility.

Satellite constellation design with genetic algorithms based on system performance

Satellite constellation design for space optical systems is essentially a multiple-objective optimization problem. In this work, to tackle this challenge, we first categorize the performance metrics of the space optical system by taking into account the system tasks（i.e., target detection and tracking）. We then propose a new non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm（NSGA） to maximize the system surveillance performance. Pareto optimal sets are employed to deal with the conflicts due to the presence of multiple cost functions. Simulation results verify the validity and the improved performance of the proposed technique over benchmark methods.

Group Orbits of GPS Satellite Configurations for Constellation Management

Air Force Space Command is interested in improving the accuracy of GPS receiver positioning, navigation, and timing. To this end, it is useful to identify a set of optimal satellite constellations where each corresponds to a configuration specifying the number of satellites in each orbital plane. These constellations could then be maintained in a library for future use as satellites fail and are launched. We utilize symmetry in the geometry of the GPS satellite orbits to partition the configurations into a much smaller set of equivalence classes where each class has the same overall receiver accuracy performance. We apply a classical algebraic combinatorial result, Polya＇s Theorem, to count and categorize the classes. Incorporating our results into a GPS constellation optimization computer tool will reduce run time by about an order of magnitude. We apply other algebraic and combinatorial techniques in original ways to count the class sizes and the classes that contain a given number of satellites. Finally, we break the equivalence classes into a still smaller set of new ＂structure＂ classes that are useful in applying the GPS computer tool.

The Development Status and Main Application Progress of China’s Ocean Satellites

China’s ocean satellites are divided into three series based on ocean color satellites(HY-1),ocean dynamic environment satellites(HY-2)and ocean monitoring satellites(HY-3).The three series of ocean satellites operate today in a multi-satellite network.The HY-1 D satellite launched in June 2020 and the HY-1 C satellite,already in orbit,realized a network observation capability and completed the formation of the ocean color satellite constellation.The HY-2 D satellite launched in May 2021 joined the HY-2 B and HY-2 C satellites,which have been on orbit already and completed a network observation capability,thus establishing the ocean dynamic environment satellite constellation.The GF-302 satellite(1 m C-SAR 01)launched in November 2021 has networked with GF-3,initially establishing an ocean monitoring satellite constellation,which has finally completed its construction with the launch of the GF-303 satellite(1 m C-SAR 02)in April 2022.The GF-3 three-satellite network effectively boasts a wide capability in applications of satellite data products and services in many fields,such as ocean environmental monitoring,ocean disaster prevention and mitigation,marine scientific research and polar research.

Precise orbit determination for low Earth orbit satellites using GNSS:Observations,models,and methods

Spaceborne global navigation satellite system(GNSS)has significantly revolutionized the development of autonomous orbit determination techniques for low Earth orbit satellites for decades.Using a state-of-the-art combination of GNSS observations and satellite dynamics,the absolute orbit determination for a single satellite reached a precision of 1 cm.Relative orbit determination(i.e.,precise baseline determination)for the dual satellites reached a precision of 1 mm.This paper reviews the recent advancements in GNSS products,observation processing,satellite gravitational and non-gravitational force modeling,and precise orbit determination methods.These key aspects have increased the precision of the orbit determination to fulfill the requirements of various scientific objectives.Finally,recommendations are made to further investigate multi-GNSS combinations,satellite high-fidelity geometric models,geometric offset calibration,and comprehensive orbit determination strategies for satellite constellations.

A Fast and Accurate LEO Satellite-Based Direct Position Determination Assisted by TDOA Measurements

This paper focuses on the trusted vessel position acquisition using passive localization based on the booming low-earth-orbit(LEO) satellites. As the high signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) reception cannot always be guaranteed at LEO satellites, the recently developed direct position determination(DPD)is adopted. For LEO satellite-based passive localization systems, an efficient DPD is challenging due to the excessive exhaustive search range leading from broad satellite coverage. In order to reduce the computational complexity, we propose a time difference of arrival-assisted DPD(TA-DPD) which minimizes the searching area by the time difference of arrival measurements and their variances. In this way, the size of the searching area is determined by both geometrical constraints and qualities of received signals, and signals with higher SNRs can be positioned more efficiently as their searching areas are generally smaller.Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional passive localization simulations using the proposed TA-DPD are provided to demonstrate its efficiency and validity. The superior accuracy performance of the proposed method, especially at low SNRs conditions, is also verified through the comparison to conventional two-step methods. Providing a larger margin in link budget for satellite-based vessel location acquisition,the TA-DPD can be a competitive candidate for trusted marine location service.

Civil Aircraft Assisted Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: Architecture Design and Coverage Analysis

In this paper, we propose a novel AIenabled space-air-ground integrated networks(SAGIN). This new integrated networks architecture consists of LEO satellites and civil aircrafts carrying aerial base stations, called "civil aircraft assisted SAGIN(CAA-SAGIN)". The assistance of civil aircrafts can reduce the stress of satellite networks, improve the performance of SAGIN, decrease the construction cost and save space resources. Taking the Chinese mainland as an example, this paper has analyzed the distribution of civil aircrafts, and obtained the coverage characteristics of civil aircraft assisted networks(CAAN). Taking Starlink as the benchmark, this paper has calculated the service gap of CAAN, and designed the joint coverage constellation. The simulation results prove that the number of satellites in CAASAGIN can be greatly reduced with the assistance of civil aircrafts at the same data rate.