On the Use of Mega Constellation Services in Space: Integrating LEO Platforms into 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks

This paper presents a framework for integrating Low Earth Orbit (LEO) platforms with Non Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in the emerging 6G communication landscape. Our work applies the Mega Constellation Services in Space (MCSS) paradigm, leveraging LEO mega-constellations expansive coverage and capacity, designed initially for terrestrial devices, to serve platforms in lower LEO orbits. Results show that this approach overcomes the limitation of sporadic and time bound satellite communication links, a challenge not fully resolved by available Ground Station Networks and Data Relay Systems. We contribute three key elements: (i) a detailed MCSS evaluation framework employing Monte Carlo simulations to assess space user links and distributions; (ii) a novel Space User Terminal (SUT) design optimized for MCSS, using different configurations and 5G New Radio Adaptive Coding and Modulation; (iii) extensive results demonstrating MCSS’s substantial improvement over existing Ground Station Networks and Data Relay Systems, motivating its role in the upcoming 6G NTNs. The space terminal, incorporating a multi-system, multi-orbit, and software-defined architecture, can handle Terabit-scale daily data volumes and minute-scale latencies. It offers a compact, power-efficient solution for properly integrating LEO platforms as space internet nodes.