Can 5G strengthen space-ground communications?
The Air Force is looking for ideas on how to leverage 5G technologies to transmit space data to and from space and across terrestrial and space-based systems.
According to a Feb. 18 sources sought notice, the Air Force’s Cross Mission Ground and Communications Enterprise Directorate’s main focus is on adapting 5G radio access network for space-ground communications in contested environments. It also seeks to leverage 5G network slicing and orchestration as well as artificial intelligence capabilities to manage legacy and emerging space data transport networks, including ground data transport infrastructure and networks from commercial augmentation services, partners and potential commercial 5G providers.
Because the 10 areas cover a wide range of technologies, the Air Force said may adjust future space data transport programs based on the feedback it receives.
The Air Force is generally interested in any application of 5G applied to space systems, but specifically wants answers to the questions about related to the following 10 technologies:
Multiple-input and multiple output. Could 5G-enabled or massive MIMO enhance communication links between earth and U.S. spacecraft? Could 5G MIMO radio-access networks (RAN) improve potential data transport between earth and space where there are already thousands of satellites in orbit and possible electronic warfare emitters on land in the air and in space?
Millimeter wave antennas. Could compact, low-cost, high-gain array ..
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