Enabling Resilient and Real-Time Network Operations in Space: A Novel Multi-Layer Satellite Networking Scheme

TL;DR

This paper proposes a multi-layer satellite networking scheme utilizing Ka-band and optical payloads to enable real-time, reliable, and resilient operations across LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites, improving critical message transmission.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multi-layer satellite networking scheme that enhances resilience and real-time communication for satellite operations, addressing limitations of traditional access-based methods.

Findings

Superior performance in 24-hour satellite mission simulations

Enhanced resilience and reliability in message transmission

Effective support for critical telecommand and telemetry missions

Abstract

Recently advanced low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite networks represented by large constellations and advanced payloads provide great promises for enabling high-quality Internet connectivity to any place on Earth. However, the traditional access-based approach to satellite operations cannot meet the pressing requirements of real-time, reliable, and resilient operations for LEO satellites. A new scheme is proposed based on multi-layer satellite networking considering the advanced Ka-band and optical communications payloads on a satellite platform. The proposed scheme can enable efficient and resilient message transmissions for critical telecommand and telemetry missions through different layers of satellite networks, which consist of LEO, medium-Earth-orbit (MEO), and geostationary (GEO) satellites. The proposed scheme is evaluated in a 24-hr satellite mission and shows superior performance improvements compared to the traditional operations approach.