# SFL-LEO: Asynchronous Split-Federated Learning Design for LEO Satellite-Ground Network Framework

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.13479 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.13479/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 39 of its 50 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 18 Apr 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 30 of 39)

- [Very Deep Convolutional Networks for Large-Scale Image Recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1409.1556/) (2014)
- [SplitFed: When Federated Learning Meets Split Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2004.12088/) (2020)
- [Efficient Parallel Split Learning over Resource-constrained Wireless Edge Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.15991/) (2023)
- [Pushing Large Language Models to the 6G Edge: Vision, Challenges, and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.16739/) (2023)
- [Split Learning in 6G Edge Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.12194/) (2023)
- [AdaptSFL: Adaptive Split Federated Learning in Resource-constrained Edge Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.13101/) (2024)
- [SplitLoRA: A Split Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning Framework for Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.00952/) (2024)
- [Automated Federated Pipeline for Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.06448/) (2024)
- [The Road Towards 6G: A Comprehensive Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.01420/) (2021)
- [AgentsCoDriver: Large Language Model Empowered Collaborative Driving with Lifelong Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.06345/) (2024)
- [FedSN: A Federated Learning Framework over Heterogeneous LEO Satellite Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.01483/) (2023)
- [Hierarchical Split Federated Learning: Convergence Analysis and System Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.07197/) (2024)
- [Efficient Split-Mix Federated Learning for On-Demand and In-Situ Customization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.09747/) (2022)
- [Optimal Resource Allocation for U-Shaped Parallel Split Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.08896/) (2023)
- [Ground-Assisted Federated Learning in LEO Satellite Constellations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.01348/) (2021)
- [A Survey on Backdoor Threats in Large Language Models (LLMs): Attacks, Defenses, and Evaluations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.05224/) (2025)
- [Satellite Based Computing Networks with Federated Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.10586/) (2021)
- [AgentsCoMerge: Large Language Model Empowered Collaborative Decision Making for Ramp Merging](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.03624/) (2024)
- [LEO-Split: A Semi-Supervised Split Learning Framework over LEO Satellite Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.01293/) (2025)
- [Federated Learning in Satellite Constellations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.00307/) (2022)
- [SatFed: A Resource-Efficient LEO Satellite-Assisted Heterogeneous Federated Learning Framework](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.13503/) (2024)
- [IC3M: In-Car Multimodal Multi-object Monitoring for Abnormal Status of Both Driver and Passengers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.02592/) (2024)
- [AsyncFLEO: Asynchronous Federated Learning for LEO Satellite Constellations with High-Altitude Platforms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.11522/) (2022)
- [IFViT: Interpretable Fixed-Length Representation for Fingerprint Matching via Vision Transformer](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.08237/) (2024)
- [MERIT: Multimodal Wearable Vital Sign Waveform Monitoring](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.00392/) (2024)
- [LCFed: An Efficient Clustered Federated Learning Framework for Heterogeneous Data](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.01850/) (2025)
- [SATSense: Multi-Satellite Collaborative Framework for Spectrum Sensing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.15542/) (2024)
- [Constructing 4D Radio Map in LEO Satellite Networks with Limited Samples](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.02775/) (2025)
- [Sums: Sniffing Unknown Multiband Signals under Low Sampling Rates](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.15705/) (2024)
- [Communication and Computation Reduction for Split Learning using Asynchronous Training](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.09786/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [On-Orbit Space AI: Federated, Multi-Agent, and Collaborative Algorithms for Satellite Constellations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.16518/) (2026)
- [A Survey on Split Learning for LLM Fine-Tuning: Models, Systems, and Privacy Optimizations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.24468/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Recently, the rapid development of LEO satellite networks spurs another widespread concern-data processing at satellites. However, achieving efficient computation at LEO satellites in highly dynamic satellite networks is challenging and remains an open problem when considering the constrained computation capability of LEO satellites. For the first time, we propose a novel distributed learning framework named SFL-LEO by combining Federated Learning (FL) with Split Learning (SL) to accommodate the high dynamics of LEO satellite networks and the constrained computation capability of LEO satellites by leveraging the periodical orbit traveling feature. The proposed scheme allows training locally by introducing an asynchronous training strategy, i.e., achieving local update when LEO satellites disconnect with the ground station, to provide much more training space and thus increase the training performance. Meanwhile, it aggregates client-side sub-models at the ground station and then distributes them to LEO satellites by borrowing the idea from the federated learning scheme. Experiment results driven by satellite-ground bandwidth measured in Starlink demonstrate that SFL-LEO provides a similar accuracy performance with the conventional SL scheme because it can perform local training even within the disconnection duration.