Larger Antennas and Better Beamforming: The Convergence of Satellites and Cellular Networks
Tags: Satellites, Cellular Networks, Starlink, Beamforming, Mobile Phones
The world of telecommunications is undergoing a major transformation as satellites and cellular networks converge. Companies like Starlink, Amazon, Apple, AST SpaceMobile, Huawei, and Lynk Global are leveraging advancements in satellite fabrication, launch costs, and beamforming technology to bridge the gap between mobile phones and orbiting satellites. This convergence has the potential to revolutionize communication by offering voice, data, and text messaging services without the need for traditional ground terminals.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, recently achieved a significant milestone by sending and receiving texts over a 4G/LTE connection between mobile phones using its latest generation of satellites called v2mini. This breakthrough paves the way for Starlink to offer text messaging services to subscribers of various mobile network operators worldwide. Additionally, Starlink aims to provide voice and data coverage directly through its satellites in the future, eliminating the need for ground terminals.
Other companies have also made strides in integrating satellites and cellular base stations. These advancements include sending and receiving text messages on conventional phones via commercial satellites and performing voice and data calls over 5G via experimental satellites. Investors have taken notice of these developments, with companies like Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile attracting substantial investments.
One of the key challenges in integrating terrestrial and nonterrestrial networks is the movement of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. LEO satellites move at high speeds, making it challenging to establish and maintain communication with mobile phones on the Earth’s surface. However, companies are addressing this challenge by designing larger antennas for their satellites and flying them at lower altitudes.
Traditionally, satellite phones required chunky antennas and clear lines of sight to multiple satellites. However, companies are now making their satellites more like cellphone towers by increasing the size of the antennas. For example, AST SpaceMobile’s second-generation satellites feature antennas with surface areas of up to 128 square meters, with plans for even larger antennas in the future. Starlink’s v2mini satellite antennas are already 6.21 square meters, and the company plans to launch even larger cellular-compatible satellites.
Furthermore, satellites are being flown at lower altitudes to improve connectivity with mobile phones. Geosynchronous satellites, which were previously used for communication, covered larger areas but handled fewer devices. The advent of smaller and cheaper satellites, along with reduced launch costs, has enabled the deployment of constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit. These satellites can detect weak signals from mobile phones on the surface and handle the growing traffic.
Improved beamforming technology is also playing a crucial role in the convergence of satellites and cellular networks. Beamforming allows transmitting devices to direct signals to specific recipients without interfering with others. Companies are leveraging sophisticated beamforming techniques, including the use of multiple antennas to reinforce signals. Future constellations may involve spreading the task of beamforming across numerous satellites to enhance connectivity.
While the achievements of Starlink and its competitors are significant, they represent only the beginning of a larger transformation in telecommunications. These advancements are seen as necessary steps towards the development of ubiquitous 6G networks. However, concerns about the increasing amount of space junk in orbit need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of satellite-based communication systems.
The convergence of satellites and cellular networks holds immense potential for revolutionizing communication worldwide. As technology continues to advance and more companies invest in this field, we can expect further breakthroughs that will shape the future of telecommunications.
Author: Lucas Laursen
Lucas Laursen is a journalist specializing in global development, science, and technology. With a particular interest in energy and agriculture, he has reported from various countries around the world.
References:
1. “Larger Antennas and Better Beamforming are Routing Calls Through Orbit” – IEEE Spectrum
2. “Satellite Constellations Converge with Cellular Networks” – IEEE Spectrum
3. “Starlink’s 4G Connection to Mobile Phones” – IEEE Spectrum
4. “The Convergence of Satellites and Cellular Networks” – University of the Bundeswehr
5. “The Challenges of Integrating Terrestrial and Nonterrestrial Networks” – University of Aalborg
6. “The Future of Satellite Cellular Connections” – University of the Bundeswehr
7. “SpaceX’s Starlink: Connecting Cellphones Directly to Satellites” – IEEE Spectrum
8. “The Impact of Space Junk on Orbiting Satellites” – NASA
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