MIMO Architectures for Efficient Communication in Space

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the unique features of space-to-space MIMO channels from an information-theoretic perspective and discusses how distributed MIMO architectures are essential for efficient space communication systems.

Contribution

It provides a detailed characterization of space MIMO channels and highlights the necessity of distributed MIMO architectures for energy and spectral efficiency in space.

Findings

Distributed MIMO is essential for efficiency in space communication.

Space MIMO channels have unique characteristics compared to terrestrial channels.

Design implications for future space-based communication systems.

Abstract

The characteristics of a space-to-space multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication channel that distinguish it from terrestrial MIMO communication channels are summarized and discussed primarily from an information-theoretic viewpoint. The implications of these characteristics for the design and application of future space-based communication systems are also discussed, and it is shown that in general, either energy-efficient or spectrally-efficient communication in space can only be achieved using a distributed MIMO architecture.