Description
The objective of the activity is to develop and test a reprogrammable testbed in space to permit the experimentation of Beyond 5G (B5G) satellite features and capabilities and enable technology verification and demonstration; rapid validation of end-to-end solutions and services, following the principles of continuous development/continuous integration. B5G satellitefeatures will be implemented in the testbed as part of the activity to demonstrate its capabilities.Targeted Improvements:Enabling development infrastructure for B5G satellite systems not existing today.Description:With the establishment of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) firmly as part of 3GPP rel. 17, we are witnessing efforts for the validation of initial designs and deployments of integrated terrestrial (TN) and NTN networks to offer Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) services.Nonetheless, the work to define Beyond 5G (B5G)/towards 6G continues with the roadmap rapidly evolving alongside the 3GPP standardisation process, e.g., NTN enhancements included in rel. 18, advanced NTN features already proposed for Rel. 19 and initial assessments of B5G/towards 6G space infrastructure. However, evaluating the implementation of new architectures is challenging mainly due to immaturity of technology and lack of means for continuous development and validation of new capabilities, which hinders the time to market for NTN solutions.The objective of the activity is then to develop and test a reprogrammable testbed for space infrastructure to permit the experimentation of 5G/6G satellite features and capabilities and enable technology verification and demonstration; rapid validation of end-to-end solutions and services, following the principles of continuous development/ continuous integration. The testbed will implement featuresbased on mid to longer term technology trends such as cross-layer communication, dynamically programmable backhaul, OpenRAN implementations, use of AI/ML onboard, context aware routing and increased importance of security-by-design. Candidate features will be assessed and expected performance, benefits and costs for each will be identified and documented. The activity will implement and demonstrate enhanced NTN features (rel.18/19) in orbit using either transparent or regenerative payloads with onboard storage and computing and routing capabilities and intersatellite links as/if applicable.The testbed could be embarked for example on the ISS, existing/planned smallsats, and/or as hosted payload. The activity will take stock of all ongoing 5G satellite developments and propose convincing demonstrations. The activity will seek synergies with ARTES SPL 5G deliverables and testbeds as well as various European 5Gplatforms and projects and national initiatives that are already being built-up.The activity will be implemented in a phased approach and features will be proposed and implemented by activating CCNs.