New Frontiers in Space Communications

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There is an emerging demand for new space network (SN) infrastructures to eliminate bottlenecks of the current terrestrial networks and to provide services on a global scale. SNs are envisioned as multi-layer integrated networks based on various space platforms, including low Earth orbit satellites. Supported by additional SN elements (orbiters, landers, rovers, and even crew members), the scope of the SN vision extends beyond terrestrial connectivity. This Chair aims at developing secure and robust communication technologies to foster the development of SNs to their full potential. 3 main objectives (O) are planned;O1-Design of SNs to provide global access equality: Innovative solutions to connect the SNs utilizing the existing user terminals will be proposed with the ultimate objective of developing a network architecture that can connect the unconnected off-grid communities.O2-Design of innovative services for robust, sustainable, and secure SNs: The role of SNs in providing novel space-based services will be explored. The emerging paradigm of multi-function multi-band transceivers, which are capable of communication, computation, caching, sensing, localization, and energy transfer/harvesting capabilities, will be adopted for the SN conditions for the first time. O3-Design of an autonomous radio resource management (RRM) framework: A machine learning (ML) assisted native RRM framework will be developed to enable autonomous configuration of SNs by distributed decision making. In the era of multi-purpose outpost plans orbiting the Moon and other planets, the Chair will both address global access equality problems and explore new frontiers in space communications. The state-of-the-art theoretical research will be supported by simulations and experimentation to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approaches. By bolstering the Earth connectivity, introducing innovative SN-based services, and developing an autonomous radio resource management (RRM) framework for secure and reliable communications, the proposed transformative research program aims at paving the way toward extending the horizon of humanity in an equitable and accessible manner. The developed multi-functional SNs, with an ML-assisted autonomic RRM, will not only address the current need for robust and secure communication but also pave the way for the SN industry, in line with the Innovation and Skills Plan of Canada's strong commitment to the space sector.