# Near-Space Communications: the Last Piece of 6G Space-Air-Ground-Sea Integrated Network Puzzle

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.00283 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.00283/

## Key facts

- Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 30 Dec 2023.

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

- [Generative Video Semantic Communication via Multimodal Semantic Fusion with Large Model](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.13838/) (2025)
- [CSI-GPT: Integrating Generative Pre-Trained Transformer with Federated-Tuning to Acquire Downlink Massive MIMO Channels](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.03438/) (2024)
- [Deep Joint Semantic Coding and Beamforming for Near-Space Airship-Borne Massive MIMO Network](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.19889/) (2024)
- [Agentic Satellite-Augmented Low-Altitude Economy and Terrestrial Networks: A Survey on Generative Approaches](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.14633/) (2025)
- [Large Model Enabled Embodied Intelligence for 6G Integrated Perception, Communication, and Computation Network](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.15109/) (2025)
- [MD-AirComp+: Adaptive Quantization for Blind Massive Digital Over-the-Air Computation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.18332/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This article presents a comprehensive study on the emerging near-space communications (NS-COM) within the context of space-air-ground-sea integrated network (SAGSIN). Specifically, we firstly explore the recent technical developments of NS-COM, followed by the discussions about motivations behind integrating NS-COM into SAGSIN. To further demonstrate the necessity of NS-COM, a comparative analysis between the NS-COM network and other counterparts in SAGSIN is conducted, covering aspects of deployment, coverage, channel characteristics and unique problems of NS-COM network. Afterwards, the technical aspects of NS-COM, including channel modeling, random access, channel estimation, array-based beam management and joint network optimization, are examined in detail. Furthermore, we explore the potential applications of NS-COM, such as structural expansion in SAGSIN communication, civil aviation communication, remote and urgent communication, weather monitoring and carbon neutrality. Finally, some promising research avenues are identified, including stratospheric satellite (StratoSat) -to-ground direct links for mobile terminals, reconfigurable multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and holographic MIMO, federated learning in NS-COM networks, maritime communication, electromagnetic spectrum sensing and adversarial game, integrated sensing and communications, StratoSat-based radar detection and imaging, NS-COM assisted enhanced global navigation system, NS-COM assisted intelligent unmanned system and free space optical (FSO) communication. Overall, this paper highlights that the NS-COM plays an indispensable role in the SAGSIN puzzle, providing substantial performance and coverage enhancement to the traditional SAGSIN architecture.