Computer Vision-Based Joint Space Sensing and Communication Systems: Non-Source, Autonomy, and Low Latency
Journal article, 2023

The new space race is intensifying as thousands of satellites are poised for deployment into outer space each year. Companies are deploying low-earth orbit satellites at an unprecedented rate to create mega-constellations. Because outer space is becoming increasingly crowded and hazardous, establishing safe, efficient, and rapid inter-satellite communications is now a major challenge, essential for managing, maintaining, and inspecting vast space communication networks. Joint sensing and communication (JSC) presents a remarkable opportunity to enhance communication performance metrics by leveraging sensed surrounding information, including spectrum efficiency, beam training, and more. As such, applying JSC for space environmental sensing could significantly enhance the performance of inter-satellite communications in ever-crowded outer space. However, traditional radio frequency-based JSC faces significant challenges - such as latency and security concerns - when applied to outer-space satellite communications. This work proposes a novel approach to joint space sensing and communication-based on computer vision (CV) for target detection, tracking, and prediction to ensure effective satellite communications by integrating various communication and sensing techniques. We illustrate several network connection prototypes using appropriate computing management to enhance energy efficiency, latency, and covertness performance in various scenarios. Finally, we investigate and discuss the significant technological challenges and future research directions.

Author

Han Yu

Beijing Institute of Technology

Zizheng Hua

Beijing Institute of Technology

Xiaqing Miao

Beijing Institute of Technology

Shuai Wang

Beijing Institute of Technology

Gaofeng Pan

Beijing Institute of Technology

Jianping An

Beijing Institute of Technology

Tommy Svensson

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks

John Thompson

University of Edinburgh

Halim Yanikomeroglu

Carleton University

IEEE Wireless Communications

1536-1284 (ISSN) 15580687 (eISSN)

Vol. 30 6 60-68

Areas of Advance

Information and Communication Technology

Subject Categories

Communication Systems

Signal Processing

DOI

10.1109/MWC.003.2300194

More information

Latest update

1/12/2024