# Satellite Communications in the New Space Era: A Survey and Future Challenges

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2002.08811 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2002.08811/

## Key facts

- Cited by 36 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 20 Feb 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 30 of 36)

- [Multi-Agent Coordination across Diverse Applications: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.14743/) (2025)
- [Generative AI Agents with Large Language Model for Satellite Networks via a Mixture of Experts Transmission](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.09134/) (2024)
- [Ground-Assisted Federated Learning in LEO Satellite Constellations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.01348/) (2021)
- [Satellite Based Computing Networks with Federated Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.10586/) (2021)
- [Leveraging Large Language Models for Integrated Satellite-Aerial-Terrestrial Networks: Recent Advances and Future Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.04581/) (2024)
- [Edge Selection and Clustering for Federated Learning in Optical Inter-LEO Satellite Constellation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.16071/) (2023)
- [An Efficient Privacy-aware Split Learning Framework for Satellite Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.08538/) (2024)
- [Handover Protocol Learning for LEO Satellite Networks: Access Delay and Collision Minimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.20215/) (2023)
- [Adapting to Dynamic LEO-B5G Systems: Meta-Critic Learning Based Efficient Resource Scheduling](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.06787/) (2021)
- [Learning Emergent Random Access Protocol for LEO Satellite Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2112.01765/) (2021)
- [Physics-informed MTA-UNet: Prediction of Thermal Stress and Thermal Deformation of Satellites](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.01009/) (2022)
- [A Red Teaming Framework for Securing AI in Maritime Autonomous Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.11500/) (2023)
- [Image Generative Semantic Communication with Multi-Modal Similarity Estimation for Resource-Limited Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.11280/) (2024)
- [Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning for Energy Efficient Multi-Functional RIS-Assisted Low-Earth Orbit Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.11079/) (2025)
- [ProGIC: Progressive and Lightweight Generative Image Compression with Residual Vector Quantization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.02897/) (2026)
- [TinyML Enhances CubeSat Mission Capabilities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.20174/) (2026)
- [Energy-Efficient On-Board Radio Resource Management for Satellite Communications via Neuromorphic Computing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.11152/) (2023)
- [Hierarchical Multi-Agent Multi-Armed Bandit for Resource Allocation in Multi-LEO Satellite Constellation Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.14351/) (2023)
- [Toward Autonomous Cooperation in Heterogeneous Nanosatellite Constellations Using Dynamic Graph Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.00692/) (2024)
- [Bridging Earth and Space: A Survey on HAPS for Non-Terrestrial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.19731/) (2025)
- [Large Artificial Intelligence Model Guided Deep Reinforcement Learning for Resource Allocation in Non Terrestrial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.08254/) (2026)
- [Robust Security Analysis Based on Random Geometry Theory for Satellite-Terrestrial-Vehicle Network](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2112.14192/) (2021)
- [Bridging the Urban-Rural Connectivity Gap through Intelligent Space, Air, and Ground Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.12683/) (2022)
- [Reinforcement Learning for Cognitive Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network Node Management in an LEO-based Satellite Constellation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.13237/) (2022)
- [Trends, Advancements and Challenges in Intelligent Optimization in Satellite Communication](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.03674/) (2024)
- [Satellite Connectivity Prediction for Fast-Moving Platforms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.00877/) (2025)
- [Intelligent Spectrum Management in Satellite Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.00286/) (2025)
- [Asynchronous Risk-Aware Multi-Agent Packet Routing for Ultra-Dense LEO Satellite Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.27506/) (2025)
- [OptiVote: Non-Coherent FSO Over-the-Air Majority Vote for Communication-Efficient Distributed Federated Learning in Space Data Centers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.24334/) (2025)
- [Robust Optimization Approach and Learning Based Hide-and-Seek Game for Resilient Network Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.11854/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Satellite communications have recently entered a period of renewed interest motivated by technological advances and nurtured through private investment and ventures. The present survey aims at capturing the state of the art in SatComs, while highlighting the most promising open research topics. Firstly, the main innovation drivers are motivated, such as new constellation types, on-board processing capabilities, nonterrestrial networks and space-based data collection/processing. Secondly, the most promising applications are described i.e. 5G integration, space communications, Earth observation, aeronautical and maritime tracking and communication. Subsequently, an in-depth literature review is provided across five axes: i) system aspects, ii) air interface, iii) medium access, iv) networking, v) testbeds & prototyping. Finally, a number of future challenges and the respective open research topics are described.