Integrating satellite and network operations for NB-IoT NTN connectivity: in-orbit test design of the Constellation Management System

Abstract

With the technological advancements in software and hardware and the cost reduction of satellite launches, there has been a surge in future planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations aimed at providing Internet of Things (IoT) services. Leveraging these constellations to extend terrestrial networks for global coverage has become a key focus, as evidenced by the standardization of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) by 3GPP. However, managing operations in satellite-based NTN poses significant challenges due to the intersection of satellite operations and network management, especially in sparse constellations with intermittent connectivity. Another challenge is the need for satellite operations to adhere to standard-compliant procedures, such as those set forth by 3GPP standards. This ensures satellite services align with established industry norms, facilitating interoperability and compatibility with existing network infrastructures. A Constellation Management System (CMS) has been developed in response to these challenges. This system is an autonomous framework designed to seamlessly integrate satellite and network operations. The CMS integrates all the necessary agents and coordinates satellite and network operations in this heterogeneous scenario by providing business policy- and resource-aware task schedules. This facilitates the alignment of contact and task plans for satellites, ground station networks, and core networks, and it ultimately enables the extension of existing terrestrial networks through satellite-based NTN. This work presents a means to validate this novel approach through a dedicated CubeSat mission scheduled for the end of 2024. The final paper details the mission architecture incorporating the CMS, including interfaces and telemetry feedback mechanisms for autonomous rescheduling during the mission. Additionally, it describes the test design and procedures, along with the necessary developments for the CMS operation in space, both on the ground and in satellites. These developments encompass the required architecture for dynamic CMS operation during the mission, resource tracking, telemetry integration, and establishment of baseline operational parameters for performance evaluation. This work represents a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of satellite-based IoT services and advancing the seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks on a global scale. To the authors' knowledge, this marks the first mission attempting to implement this innovative task-scheduling approach within a telecommunications satellite constellation providing NB-IoT services.