Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in Action for Nonterrestrial Networks

Kursat Tekbiyik, Gunes Karabulut Kurt, Ali Riza Ekti, Halim Yanikomeroglu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Next-generation communication technology will be made possible by cooperation between terrestrial networks with nonterrestrial networks (NTNs) composed of high-altitude platform stations (HAPSs) and satellites. Further, as humanity embarks on the long road to establish new habitats on other planets, the cooperation between NTNs and deep-space networks (DSNs) will be necessary. In this regard, we propose the use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to improve coordination between these networks given that RISs perfectly match the size, weight, and power (SWaP) restrictions of operating in space. A comprehensive framework of RIS-assisted nonterrestrial and interplanetary communications is presented that pinpoints challenges, use cases, and open issues. Furthermore, the performance of RIS-assisted NTNs under environmental effects, such as solar scintillation and satellite drag, is discussed in light of simulation results.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-53
Number of pages9
JournalIEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2022

Funding

This manuscript has been authored in part by UT-Battelle, LLC, under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The publisher acknowledges the U.S. government license to provide public access under the DOE Public Access Plan (http://energy.gov/ downloads/doe-public-access-plan).

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