Description

The objective of the activity is to develop an in-orbit experiment where technologies and techniques that will be key for the role of satellites in 6G networks can be tested, validated and their performance measured. This includes very novel techniques such as AI-assisted dynamic spectrum allocation, AI-assisted dynamic service-based resource management, self-optimised air interface, characterisation of sub-THz transmission performance and novel technologies such as neuromorphic processors, sub mm-wave RF equipment and antennas, cognitive radios, software-defined radios and software-defined payloads.Targeted improvements: Enabling new capabilities for future 6G satellite technologies. Key performance improvements for 6G with respect to 5G in all domains (core and edge). Investigate technologies and solutions for seamless integration of satellites in future 6G networks.Description: 6G networks are planned to be deployed in the 2030s after a standardisation effort to be started around 2025. Satellites are considered essential to fulfil the key policy objectives of 6G, among which the sustainability support to industrial sectors (green ICT) and inclusion (reduction ofthe digital divide). For satellites to be considered, they must be seamlessly integrated into the 6G networks. At this early stage 6G is not fully defined but clear trends are appearing, such as: convergence of connectivity and computation, end-to-end network orchestration (terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) everywhere - distributedintelligence - for network optimisation, as well as to support vertical use cases, and ultra-high levels of security. These trends require a radical change into the architecture, management and control of satellite systems and key novel technologies and techniques need to be validated and demonstrated standalone and integrated with terrestrial systems. RD efforts for key technologies are starting worldwide in the telecommunications ecosystem so that the standardisation phase can be started on a realistic and verified foundation. For satellite solutions to be considered it is important to achieve in-orbit validation and demonstration in a realistic environment. Nowadays, with the proliferation of micro and nanosatellites with short development cycles and the availability of affordable launch solutions, In Orbit Validation/Demonstration (IOV/IOD) can be achieved with a limited cost. Acting now enables the possibility of early integration testing with terrestrial developments and the possibility of co-creation of the standard. Therefore, theactivity proposed consists of the development and launch of an in-orbit 6G experiment to allow experimentation, optimisation and validation of key 6G technologies and techniques such as AI-assisted dynamic spectrum allocation, AI-assisted dynamic service-based resource management, self-optimised air interfaces, characterisation of sub-THz transmission performance, multi-access edge computing,use of neuromorphic processors for AI/ML power and mass/volume optimisation, sub-THz RF equipment and antennas, cognitive radios, software-defined radios and software-defined payloads.The activity will seek synergies with ESA B5G/6G deliverables as well as various European B5G/6G projects and national initiatives that are already being built-up. In addition, the activity will provide inputs to standardisation bodies and to the European 6G development roadmap.The activity will be implemented in a phased approach where key technologies and techniques will be reviewed and selected prior to proceeding with the development and launch activities.