Satellite 5G is already a reality with many projects demonstrating it and a rich standardization activity by the 3rd Generation Partnership projects (3GPP) in the last years. Many issues have been addressed to bring 5G via satellite, including architecture, protocol adaptation, and network management. However, satellite 5G will not be able to face all the space challenges. Therefore, we have to consider satellites Beyond 5G (B5G) and future 6G systems, capable of implementing new technologies for mmWave frequency bands, space IoT, pervasive use of Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) paradigms, tactile Internet, and advanced security schemes based on quantum satellites. 6G systems will support new societal needs, which cannot be fully satisfied by 5G.
In 6G systems, we will not only have the satellite component in the system but it is complemented by a lot of alternative aerial components that can be used to improve, focalize and distribute the coverage. In this more general sense, we refer to Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) using Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, Low and Medium Earth Orbit (LEO and MEO) satellites, High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
There is already strong R&D interest in advancing satellite systems toward 6G. In this sense, we can mention satellite 6G experiments in China, the ESA 5G/6G hub, the 5GPPP activity, the University of Surrey 5G/6G innovation center, and the new vision by ITU towards ‘Network 2030’.
This school aims at addressing these aspects of the future's satellite systems, presenting opportunities, challenges, and possible future directions.
The Italian National Consortium for the Telecommunications (CNIT) - University of Siena and the National Research Council - Information Science and Technologies Institute are two consolidated research entities in the panorama of satellite communications and have historical participation in SatNEx activities since the foundation of the Satellite Network of Excellence. In the past ISTI-CNR hosted many SatNex Summer Schools in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Moreover, the University of Siena, Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics, hosted the summer school in 2011. A deep and consolidated partnership between the two institutions has produced significant research results in these years both on scientific and didactic terms, fostering the professional growth of Ph.D. students also under the support of SatNEx, becoming today's established researchers.
This school will also take advantage of the link established in the last four years with satellite research groups around the world by the IEEE Future Network (International Network Generations Roadmap)- Satellite Working Group (https://futurenetworks.ieee.org/) , co-chaired by G. Giambene, University of Siena. This research team has provided three reports and organized a recent workshop addressing future challenges and solutions for satellite 5G/6G. This could also facilitate joint initiatives / events for the students, as explained above.
