Extending Cislunar Communication Network Reach Using Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

TL;DR

This paper proposes using Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces to improve Cislunar communication by optimizing signal quality over vast distances, addressing signal attenuation and directivity challenges in space missions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optimization framework for RIS phase shifts to enhance Earth-Moon communication signals, with a closed-form solution and simulation validation.

Findings

RIS significantly improves SNR in simulations

Optimal phase shifts enhance signal integrity

Potential to revolutionize long-distance space communication

Abstract

This study introduces a novel approach to enhance communication networks in the Cislunar space by leveraging Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). Using the ability of RIS to dynamically control electromagnetic waves, this paper tackles the challenges of signal attenuation, directivity, and divergence in Cislunar missions, primarily caused by immense distances and that Earth-based station transmitters do not always face the Moon. A new optimization problem is formulated, whose objective is to maximize the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for Earth-to-Moon communications. We derive a closed-form solution to the problem of determining the optimal RIS phase shift configuration based on the effective area of the RIS. Through extensive simulations, this paper demonstrates how optimal adjustments in RIS phase shifts can significantly enhance signal integrity, hinting at the substantial potential of RIS technology to revolutionize long-distance Cislunar communication.