Joint satellite platform and constellation sizing for instantaneous beam-hopping in 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks

Abstract

Existing research on resource allocation in satellite networks incorporating beam-hopping (BH) focuses predominantly on the performance analysis of diverse algorithms and techniques. However, studies evaluating the architectural and economic impacts of implemented BH-based technical solutions have not yet been addressed. Aiming to close this gap, this contribution quantifies the impact of BH and orbital parameters on the satellite platform and constellation size, considering specific traffic demand and service time indicators. The paper proposes a low complexity, instantaneous demand-based BH resource allocation technique, and presents a comprehensive analysis of LEO and VLEO scenarios using small platforms, lying on 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) specifications. Given a joint set of traffic demand and time-to-serve indicators, and based on a feasible multibeam on-board antenna architecture, the paper compares the RF transmit power requirements in fixed and variable grid LEO schemes, and in VLEO with different minimum elevation angles, to assess the feasibility of these orbits. For a fixed minimum elevation and number of users, the RF transmit power and satellite platform requirements are significantly reduced when transitioning into lower altitudes with narrower satellite coverage areas. The relevant trade-off between the satellite platform and the size of the constellation required for global coverage is presented, to fulfill a set of traffic demand and time to serve indicators: approximately, 1156 3U satellites are required for VLEO constellation and 182 12U satellites for LEO. Once platform and constellation sizing trade-off is quantified, the paper estimates the economic costs for each of the deployments, showing a total cost of almost the double for the presented VLEO constellation compared to the LEO one. The article aims to provide system engineers and satellite operators with crucial information for satellite system design, dimensioning and cost assessment.