# 5G from Space: An Overview of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.09156 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.09156/

## Key facts

- Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Mar 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [SATSense: Multi-Satellite Collaborative Framework for Spectrum Sensing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.15542/) (2024)
- [UAV-Assisted Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: A Technical Review of Recent Learning Algorithms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.14931/) (2022)
- [AI-Native Open RAN for Non-Terrestrial Networks: An Overview](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.11935/) (2025)
- [Towards 6G Intelligence: The Role of Generative AI in Future Wireless Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.19495/) (2025)
- [Accelerating Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning in Large-Scale LEO Satellite Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.12222/) (2025)
- [Toward Scalable SDN for LEO Mega-Constellations: A Graph Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.27478/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We provide an overview of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) work on evolving the 5G wireless technology to support non-terrestrial satellite networks. Adapting 5G to support non-terrestrial networks entails a holistic design spanning across multiple areas from radio access network to services and system aspects to core and terminals. In this article, we describe the main topics of non-terrestrial networks, explain in detail the design aspects, and share various design rationales influencing standardization.