Satellite Communications in 6G and Beyond Networks–Technologies, Applications and Challenges
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensor Networks".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 54
Special Issue Editors
Interests: statistical signal processing; communication theory; cognitive radio; physical layer security; 5G systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: Internet of Things; machine learning; 5G
Interests: wireless communications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: wireless communications; signal processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As we move toward 6G and beyond, satellite communications are expected to become pivotal in enabling global connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Integrating satellite systems with terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks will unlock a new era of ultra-reliable, low-latency communications, massive Internet of Things (IoT) networks, as well as high-speed broadband for diverse applications, ranging from smart cities to autonomous transport. However, realizing these ambitious goals brings significant technical challenges related to spectrum management, resource allocation, network coordination, and energy efficiency. To overcome these challenges, integrating satellite communications with innovative technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), physical layer security (PLS), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), inter-satellite link (ISL), edge computing, terahertz (THz) communications, and quantum cryptography will be crucial. These technologies will enable seamless coordination, enhanced connectivity, improved security, dynamic resource management, and optimized energy efficiency, pushing the boundaries of satellite communications in 6G and beyond.
This Special Issue invites cutting-edge research addressing technological advancements, potential applications, and key challenges in satellite communications within the 6G framework. Contributions focusing on new architectures, cross-layer designs, AI/ML-based optimizations, physical layer innovations (e.g., advanced modulation, coding, beamforming, massive MIMO, and RIS), energy-efficient strategies (such as wireless powered communications and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer), security solutions, and experimental proof-of-concept demonstrations are highly encouraged. The research topics include, but are not limited to:
Prof. Dr. Heejung Yu
Dr. Yousaf Zikria
Dr. Waqas Khalid
Dr. Song Noh
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- 6G satellite architectures and network designs
- AI/ML for 6G satellite networks
- physical layer innovations for 6G satellite networks
- security and privacy for 6G satellite networks
- energy-efficient 6G satellite networks
- 6G satellite IoT
- edge computing for 6g satellite networks
- THz communications for 6G satellite networks
- cross-layer design and resource allocation
- standardization and regulatory aspects
- experimental testbeds and proof-of-concept implementations
- applications of satellite communications in 6G
- 3D beamforming and high-resolution sensing
- UAV-satellite-ground communications
- quantum communications for 6G
- integration of space and terrestrial networks
- 3D networking and resource management
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