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Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures

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A special issue of Aerospace (ISSN 2226-4310).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 8879

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Guanjun Xu

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Guest Editor

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Interests: radio wave propagation over fading channels; wave scattering in random media; optical wireless communications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Next-generation wireless communication networks face the severe challenges of massive data transmission and surges in connection density. Satellites (including high-orbit, medium-orbit, low-orbit, and very-low-orbit satellites), high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and drones have the advantages of mobility, stability, and wide coverage. Aerial base stations or relay nodes aid ground communications. Therefore, to alleviate the pressure on the ground mobile communication networks and reduce the cost of densely deployed small cells, space–air–ground-integrated wireless communication are finding uses in future wireless communication to expand network space and achieve high-density, high-speed wireless transmission. Nevertheless, the research into space–air–ground wireless communication networks is still immature, and some technical difficulties exist. In order to promote the development of key technologies of space-air-to-ground wireless communication networks, we are launching Topical Issue entitled "Space–Air–Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures".

Scholars working in relevant areas of research are invited to make submissions on a variety of topics, including:

The basic theory of space–air–ground communication network,

Relay-assisted dense heterogeneous network,

Space–air–ground channel modeling,

Satellite, HAPs, UAV trajectory optimization, and resource allocation,

Space–air–ground Internet of Things,

Space–air–ground emergency communication network,

Space–air–ground secure transmission method,

Space–air–ground green communication technology,

Space–air–ground millimeter wave communication technology,

Space–air–ground communication architecture and verification platform.

Prof. Dr. Guanjun Xu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Aerospace is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

space-air-ground integrated networks
channel model
communication performance
security countermeasures

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Secrecy Performance of a Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access-Based Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network System with Stochastic Geometry Distribution of Terrestrial Terminals and Fog Absorption in Optical Link

by Xuhui Wang, Jinyu He, Guanjun Xu, Jiajia Chen and Yuhan Gao

Aerospace 2024, 11(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040306 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 456

Abstract

Recently, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based space–air–ground integrated networks (SAGINs) have gained increasing attention due to their robust communication, broader coverage, and resource-saving advantages. However, it is imperative to consider physical layer security as a crucial performance metric in NOMA-based SAGINs. This study addresses this concern by constructing a NOMA-based free space optical (FSO)/radio frequency (RF) dual-hop SAGIN system with eavesdroppers on both links. The two new fading channel models were proposed, considering the FSO link’s fog absorption and the RF link’s stochastic distribution based on Málaga and shadowed Rician distributions. The closed-form expressions for the secrecy outage probability are derived for the SAGIN system. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to validate the theoretical findings. The results revealed the influence of fog absorption and the stochastic geometry distribution on the SAGIN system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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27 pages, 9711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Forecasting Model for Self-Similar Traffic in LEO Mega-Constellation Networks

by Chi Han, Wei Xiong and Ronghuan Yu

Aerospace 2024, 11(3), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11030191 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 920

Abstract

Mega-constellation network traffic forecasting provides key information for routing and resource allocation, which is of great significance to the performance of satellite networks. However, due to the self-similarity and long-range dependence (LRD) of mega-constellation network traffic, traditional linear/non-linear forecasting models cannot achieve sufficient forecasting accuracy. In order to resolve this problem, a mega-constellation network traffic forecasting model based on EMD (empirical mode decomposition)-ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) and IGWO (improved grey wolf optimizer) optimized BPNN (back-propagation neural network) is proposed in this paper, which makes comprehensive utilization of linear model ARIMA, non-linear model BPNN and optimization algorithm IGWO. With the enhancement of the global optimization capability of a BPNN, the proposed hybrid model can fully realize the potential of mining linear and non-linear laws of mega-constellation network traffic, hence improving the forecasting accuracy. This paper utilizes an ON/OFF model to generate historical self-similar traffic to forecast. RMSE (root mean square error), MAE (mean absolute error), R-square and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) are adopted as evaluation indexes for the forecasting effect. Comprehensive experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional constellation network traffic forecasting schemes, with several improvements in forecasting accuracy and efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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25 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Domain Network Slicing in Satellite–Terrestrial Integrated Networks: A Multi-Sided Ascending-Price Auction Approach

by Weiwei Jiang, Yafeng Zhan and Xiaolong Xiao

Aerospace 2023, 10(10), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10100830 - 23 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1009

Abstract

With the growing demand for massive access and data transmission requests, terrestrial communication systems are inefficient in providing satisfactory services. Compared with terrestrial communication networks, satellite communication networks have the advantages of wide coverage and support for massive access services. Satellite–terrestrial integrated networks are indispensable parts of future B5G/6G networks. Challenges arise for implementing and operating a successful satellite–terrestrial integrated network, including differentiated user requirements, infrastructure compatibility, limited resource constraints, and service provider incentives. In order to support diversified services, a multi-domain network slicing approach is proposed in this study, in which network resources from both terrestrial and satellite networks are combined to build alternative routes when serving the same slice request as virtual private networks. To improve the utilization efficiency of limited resources, slice admission control is formulated as a mechanism design problem. To encourage participation and cooperation among different service providers, a multi-sided ascending-price auction mechanism is further proposed as a game theory-based solution for slice admission control and resource allocation, in which multiple strategic service providers maximize their own utilities by trading bandwidth resources. The proposed auction mechanism is proven to be strongly budget-balanced, individually rational, and obviously truthful. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, real-world historical traffic data are used in the simulation experiments and the results show that the proposed approach is asymptotically optimal with the increase in users and competitive with the polynomial-time optimal trade mechanism, in terms of admission ratio and service provider profit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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27 pages, 5793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Task Offloading with Data-Dependent Constraints in Satellite Edge Computing Networks: A Multi-Objective Approach

by Ruipeng Zhang, Yanxiang Feng, Yikang Yang and Xiaoling Li

Aerospace 2023, 10(9), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10090804 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1094

Abstract

By enabling a satellite network with edge computing capabilities, satellite edge computing(SEC) provides users with a full range of computing service. In this paper, we construct a multi-objective optimization model for task offloading with data-dependent constraints in an SEC network and aim to achieve optimal tradeoffs among energy consumption, cost, and makespan. However, dependency constraints between tasks may lead to unexpected computational delays and even task failures in an SEC network. To solve this, we proposed a Petri-net-based constraint amending method with polynomial complexity and generated offloading results satisfying our constraints. For the multiple optimization objectives, a strengthened dominance relation sort was established to balance the convergence and diversity of nondominated solutions. Based on these, we designed a multi-objective wolf pack search (MOWPS) algorithm. A series of adaptive mechanisms was employed for avoiding additional computational overhead, and a Lamarckian-learning-based multi-neighborhood search prevents MOWPS from becoming trapped in the local optimum. Extensive computational experiments demonstrate the outperformance of MOWPS for solving task offloading with data-dependent constraints in an SEC network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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16 pages, 13913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LoRa-Based Low-Cost Nanosatellite for Emerging Communication Networks in Complex Scenarios

by Raúl Parada, Victor Monzon Baeza, David N. Barraca-Ibort and Carlos Monzo

Aerospace 2023, 10(9), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10090754 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3708

Abstract

Wireless broadband coverage has reached 95% worldwide. However, its trend is expected to stay the same in the following years, presenting challenges for scenarios such as remote villages and their surrounding environments. Inaccessibility to these areas for installing terrestrial base stations is the main challenge to bridge the connectivity gap. In addition, there are emergencies, for instance, earthquakes or war areas, that require a fast communication reaction by developing networks that are less susceptible to disruption. Therefore, we propose a low-cost, green-based nanosatellite system to provide complete coverage in hard-to-reach areas using long-range communication. The system comprises a pilot station, a base station, and a CubeSat with sensor data collector capabilities acting as a repeater. Our system can be built within hours with a 3D printer using common material, providing a flexible environment where components can be replaced freely according to user requirements, such as sensors and communication protocols. The experiments are performed in Spain by two test sets validating the communication among all components, with RSSI values below −148 dBm and the longest distance above 14 km. We highlight the reduction in the environmental impact of this proposal using a balloon-based launch platform that contributes to sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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Review

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49 pages, 2576 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methods, Standards and Components for Wireless Communications and Power Transfer Aimed at Intra-Vehicular Applications of Launchers

by Francesco Fusco, Vittorio Ugo Castrillo, Hernan Maximiliano Roque Giannetta, Marta Albano and Enrico Cavallini

Aerospace 2024, 11(2), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11020132 - 3 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1183

Abstract

In the world of space systems and launchers in particular, there is always a strong demand for the reduction of the weight of all components/subsystems that are not related to the payload and simplification of the integration phase. A possible solution to both these problems is the replacement of cables and connectors with wireless systems for communication and power supply. With this aim, a survey was carried out through an analysis of the technical/scientific literature available on wireless communication standards and electric power transfer methods. To evaluate wireless systems’ effective applicability, the existence of applicable standards and commercial components that could facilitate their implementation was also verified. To provide information on specific applications, a synthesis of experiences in the aeronautical and space fields of wireless system demonstrators was reported. Consequently, it is clear that there is interest in the subject, but some applications are still limited to the demonstration of systems or, at most, to non-critical functions. Since wireless power transfer methods need less energy from the sensor nodes, a brief investigation into the architectures and components necessary to implement low-power sensor nodes is also included in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Air-Ground-Integrated Communications in the New Era: Applications, Challenges, and Countermeasures)

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