5G Terrestrial & Satellite Convergence 2024

Satellite 2024 Conference took place recently in Washington DC, from March March 18th to March 21st. It was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The conference is known for bringing together industry leaders and businesses for discussions and exhibitions focused on the latest advancements and trends in satellite technology. This year's theme reportedly centered around connectivity and its role in shaping the satellite industry.

The event attracts a wide range of professionals in the satellite industry, including representatives from satellite operators, manufacturers, launch service providers, government agencies, research institutions, end users of satellite technology (e.g., broadcasters, communication companies).

The conference covers a broad spectrum of satellite-related subjects, such as: New satellite technologies and advancements, Satellite applications in various sectors (broadcasting, navigation, internet access), Global space exploration and policy, The future of the satellite industry and Satellite security & communication.

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) was a major topic of discussion at the Satellite 2024 Conference. The focus seems to be on the potential of 5G NTN to be a "game-changer" for the industry, with discussions about:

• Convergence and Interoperability: A key focus likely revolved around the convergence of satellite and cellular technologies using 3GPP standards. This would allow seamless roaming between terrestrial networks and satellites, enabling services like text messages in remote areas. Integrating cellular standards into satellite communication leading to lower costs.
• Challenges and Solutions: Discussions addressed the technical hurdles for smooth integration. These include latency issues inherent in satellite communication and the need for significant cost reductions to make 5G NTN data services more accessible.
• Long-Term Vision: Experts have explored the future potential of 5G NTN. This involve discussions on the size of the target market, the impact on existing infrastructure, and the timeline for widespread adoption.

D2D (Direct Device-to-Device) communication via satellite was definitely a topic of discussion at the Satellite 2024 Conference. In fact, it appears to be a significant area of interest within the industry.

Potential discussions involved:

• Potential and Challenges: D2D is a potential "game changer" for the satellite industry, particularly for the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. This technology could revolutionize connectivity in remote areas by enabling devices to communicate directly with satellites without needing traditional infrastructure. However, challenges like integration with existing systems and overcoming technical limitations were likely part of the discussion. The D2D LEO-sat operators have mainly based their services on proprietary solutions. Because each company is developing its own solution to compete with rather than complement the rest, this will complicate service consistency for enterprise applications across different complementary LEO-sat constellations, and lead to a wide variety of deployment models and architecture for the integration with terrestrial cellular services.The reason for this lack of standardization is the limited scope of release 17 of 3GPP, which should have set the standards for 5G TN/NTN multi-connectivity. However, it is limited to only transparent satellite access nodes. This excludes any regenerative capabilities to compensate in the NTN 5G Core Network and Radio Access Network (RAN) for satellite-related issues such as long propagation delays, large Doppler effects, rain fading and so on. As a result, release 17 will at best facilitate interworking between 5G TNs and NTNs. But that leaves full TN/NTN multi-connectivity for future releases 18, 19, 20 and onward.
• Industry Interest: The fact that D2D was a highlighted topic suggests strong interest from the satellite industry. This indicates potential for future advancements and deployments of D2D communication technologies.
• Technical advancements needed to make D2D communication via satellite more reliable and cost-effective.
• The impact of D2D on existing satellite communication protocols and infrastructure.
• Potential applications of D2D in various sectors, such as remote agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.
• Regulatory considerations for large-scale D2D satellite deployments.

D2D Direct to Device LEO Players

Several players have already made promising entries into this space, such as Sateliot and OQ Technology ’s NB-IoT store-and-forward services for non-time critical IoT applications, Lynk ’s message and low-speed data services and Starlink ’s voice, SMS, and low-speed data services.

AST SpaceMobile and Omnispace are working in the 1-3 GHz band to provide voice, SMS and data services of up to 30Mbps directly to unmodified cellular equipment, and 亚马逊 ’s Project Amazon Project Kuiper , which will offer TN-like 5G services through its cellular base station terminal with speeds between 100Mbps and 16Gbps for cellular devices at specific locations.

Satellite Technology of the Year

Satellite technology of the year - The recipients of a major Satellite award have acknowledged the efforts of the 3GPP members and delegates on NTN specifications. The announcement that ‘3GPP NTN Standards’ have been selected as satellite technology of the year was made during the SATELLITE 2024 conference in Washington this week. Nominated:?3GPP NTN Standards – GSOA , European Space Agency - ESA , EchoStar Corporation , 泰雷兹 , Inmarsat , Intelsat , and Individual Contributors. The nomination cited the proactive engagement of the satellite industry with 3GPP and other forums to ensure that satellite technologies can be fully integrated into the 5G ecosystem.

For full information, Click https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/3gpp-news/ntn-award-2024

Singtel has introduced Paragon-S, a digital aggregation and orchestration platform, at the Satellite 2024 Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

Singtel says Paragon-S stands out as the satellite industry’s premier orchestration platform, designed to enhance resilience, optimize costs, and unlock new revenue streams by seamlessly integrating multiple orbit satellites with terrestrial fixed and mobile network connectivity services. Leveraging edge computing and AI capabilities, the platform promises to revolutionize how satellite operators operate in today’s digital landscape.

Developed in-house, Paragon-S builds upon Singtel’s acclaimed Paragon orchestration platform, already deployed in five countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Satellite operators can use Paragon-S to extend edge computing services to enterprise customers, facilitating the hosting of mission-critical applications either on-premise or at remote sites. Furthermore, the platform enables seamless application migration between satellite operators’ edge clouds and public clouds, ensuring flexibility to meet diverse business needs.

The introduction of Paragon-S also fosters collaboration between satellite operators and terrestrial network providers, enabling the creation of bundled solutions tailored to enterprise requirements. Enterprises can now effortlessly switch between terrestrial fixed and mobile networks and various satellite constellations, optimizing costs and connectivity performance.

Paragon-S promises an array of benefits for satellite operators, including multi-orbit switching, enhanced connectivity resilience, backhaul optimization, data analytics, and cost savings. Singtel’s own satellite operations will leverage Paragon-S to streamline operations, achieve greater efficiencies, and introduce new services to support customer digitalization efforts.

Singtel is engaging with satellite operators globally to offer Paragon-S trials, signaling a commitment to building a robust satellite ecosystem and driving innovation in the industry. With Paragon-S, Singtel is poised to revolutionize satellite communications, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and digital transformation on a global scale. Singtel Satellite

Opening General Session at SATELLITE 2024

The satellite industry is moving away from focusing on just the technical specifications (megahertz and transponders) and towards providing specific capabilities and solutions for users. This convergence between satellite and traditional (terrestrial) networks creates exciting opportunities.

Key takeaways:

• Convergence and Standardization: The industry is shifting towards offering combined services using both satellite and traditional networks. Standardization efforts like 3GPP Release 17 are facilitating this by enabling equipment to work seamlessly in both modes.
• New Opportunities: Companies see a big future in this combined approach, with applications like seamless roaming and improved coverage in remote areas. This will require rethinking everything from space infrastructure to business models.
• Challenges Remain: Despite the optimism, there are still hurdles to overcome. These include convincing mobile network operators of the value proposition, managing spectrum usage effectively, and navigating the regulatory landscape.
• Overall Optimism: Industry leaders acknowledge the challenges but remain optimistic about the future, pointing to advancements in technology, reduced launch costs, and a more receptive regulatory environment.

Public-Private Partnerships

A panel discussion at the SATELLITE 2024 conference focused on public-private partnerships to address the challenge of providing global internet access.

Key points from the discussion:

• The digital divide remains a major issue: There are still 2.6 billion people globally who lack internet access due to affordability, usability, or lack of infrastructure.
• Satellites play a crucial role: Building traditional infrastructure is expensive and impractical in many remote areas. Satellites offer a solution to bridge the gap and reach these underserved communities.
• International collaboration is key: Success requires cooperation between governments, regulators, and the private sector (including satellite operators, mobile network providers, and funders).
• Examples of collaborative efforts: The Imternational Telecommunication Union and United Nations are working together on initiatives like "Early Warnings for All" to leverage satellite technology for disaster preparedness and education in rural areas.
• Challenges in Africa: Incentivizing mobile network operators to invest in rural areas and ensuring aid reaches its intended targets were highlighted as specific hurdles in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Multi-orbit satellite networks may be the answer: A combination of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) constellations might be the most effective way to achieve widespread global coverage.

Tech Leaders Post Mortem With the Opportunity and Risk of Using AI in Satellite Networks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been one of the most talked about topics throughout the year. At SATELLITE 2024, satellite players debated the role that AI plays in global satellite technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a splash in the space industry, with companies looking to leverage its power for various purposes. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• New Player: Space42 , a merger of Yahsat Space Services and Bayanat Smart Solutions , is aiming to be a global leader in AI for space applications. They see AI as central to their future strategy.
• Challenges of AI in Space: Implementing a successful AI strategy in space faces hurdles:1. Reliable Data: Training AI models requires sufficient and reliable historical data, which might be scarce in space environments like GEO and LEO. 2. Autonomy vs. Control: Determining the right balance between trusting AI for decision-making and maintaining human control is crucial. 3. Safety & Reliability: Even a single mistake by an AI system could have serious consequences. Mitigating risks is essential. 4. Standards: As the industry embraces AI, establishing clear standards will be necessary.
• Industry Examples: Sidus Space : Their focus is on empowering users with AI-powered analysis of space data within seconds. They prioritize data security and reliability through hardware and software protections. Quvia : This connectivity management platform emphasizes high-quality data for training AI models. They acknowledge resistance from engineers accustomed to traditional methods, but believe AI is inevitable for future applications.
• Concerns and the Future:
• Trust: Building and maintaining trust in AI systems is a continuous process.
• Standardization: The industry needs to develop standards for using AI in space contracts and processes to avoid complexities.
• Legal and Safety Risks: Potential legal and safety risks associated with AI require careful consideration and mitigation strategies.

Overall, the discussion reflects both the excitement and the challenges surrounding the use of AI in space. Companies are actively exploring its potential while acknowledging the need for responsible implementation to ensure safety, reliability, and trust.

The shift towards “AI-powered” software-defined satellites is revolutionizing satellite design and operations. By decoupling hardware from software functionalities, manufacturers are enhancing flexibility, scalability, and adaptability in satellite missions. This trend enables dynamic reconfiguration of satellite payloads, spectral power changes in GEO satellites, rapid software updates, beam steering, and shaping capabilities, and optimization of resources to meet evolving user requirements.

- Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Several vendors showcased innovative manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), modular assembly, and automated “assembly line” production lines (vs. custom manufacturing) are transforming satellite manufacturing and cost structure. These techniques enable manufacturers to streamline production, reduce lead times, and enhance customization while maintaining high-quality standards. Investing in advanced manufacturing will be important for satellite manufacturers to increase efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.

- Collaboration across the Satellite ecosystem: The pace of change in the satellite industry is increasing significantly.? Collaboration with market players across the satellite and terrestrial ecosystem, including emerging startups, telecom carriers, enterprises, and government agencies, is becoming increasingly critical for satellite operators and manufacturers. Vendors and operators who play by the old rulebook and move at their own pace risk being left behind. By forming strategic partnerships and alliances, manufacturers and operators are accessing new technologies, markets, and funding sources. Collaboration enables them to leverage complementary strengths, both on the supply chain and demand side for new applications and use cases.

- Data Analytics and AI Integration Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly vital role in satellite operations. Manufacturers and operators are leveraging AI algorithms to optimize satellite performance, automate anomaly detection, and extract valuable insights from satellite data. Use of AI will continue to increase enabling manufacturers to improve satellite reliability, enhance data processing capabilities, and unlock new opportunities for innovation.

- High-Throughput Satellites (HTS): The demand for high-throughput satellites (HTS) continues to grow, driven by the need for higher bandwidth and connectivity in remote and underserved areas. Satellite manufacturers are innovating to develop HTS platforms with increased capacity, efficiency, and coverage. By supporting emerging applications such as 5G connectivity for consumer and enterprise applications, manufacturers can capture new market opportunities and drive revenue growth.

- Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Sustainability was a key topic of discussion at the show.? With the proliferation of satellites in orbit, sustainability and environmental concerns are gaining prominence in the satellite industry. Manufacturers and operators are focusing on eco-friendly practices such as satellite recycling, solar-electric propulsion, and responsible end-of-life disposal to minimize space debris and reduce environmental impact. By prioritizing sustainability, manufacturers can demonstrate corporate responsibility and contribute to the long-term sustainability of space activities.

- Security and Cyber Resilience As satellites become more interconnected and reliant on digital systems, ensuring security and cyber resilience is paramount. Manufacturers and operators are investing in robust cybersecurity measures to protect satellite networks from cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and malware attacks. By implementing encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection systems, the industry can safeguard satellite operations and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.

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