# AI-Native Open RAN for Non-Terrestrial Networks: An Overview arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.11935 ยท HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.11935/ ## Key facts - Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). - Builds on 36 of its 136 references that are in the map. - First posted on arXiv 16 Jul 2025. ## Builds on (most cited first, 30 of 36) - [Edge Artificial Intelligence for 6G: Vision, Enabling Technologies, and Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.12444/) (2021) - [On the Road to 6G: Visions, Requirements, Key Technologies and Testbeds](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.14536/) (2023) - [Understanding O-RAN: Architecture, Interfaces, Algorithms, Security, and Research Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.01032/) (2022) - [Wireless Network Digital Twin for 6G: Generative AI as A Key Enabler](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.17451/) (2023) - [Open, Programmable, and Virtualized 5G Networks: State-of-the-Art and the Road Ahead](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.10027/) (2020) - [Revolutionizing Future Connectivity: A Contemporary Survey on AI-empowered Satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks in 6G](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.01633/) (2023) - [A Survey on Non-Geostationary Satellite Systems: The Communication Perspective](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.05312/) (2021) - [Empowering the 6G Cellular Architecture with Open RAN](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.02746/) (2023) - [Evolution of Non-Terrestrial Networks From 5G to 6G: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.06881/) (2021) - [A Survey on Open Radio Access Networks: Challenges, Research Directions, and Open Source Approaches](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.09125/) (2022) - [A Comprehensive Tutorial and Survey of O-RAN: Exploring Slicing-aware Architecture, Deployment Options, Use Cases, and Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.03555/) (2024) - [End-to-End Edge AI Service Provisioning Framework in 6G ORAN](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.11933/) (2025) - [5G from Space: An Overview of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.09156/) (2021) - [Emerging Technologies for 6G Non-Terrestrial-Networks: From Academia to Industrial Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.07763/) (2024) - [Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G: Integrated, Intelligent and Ubiquitous Connectivity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.02184/) (2024) - [Network Digital Twin for 6G and Beyond: An End-to-End View Across Multi-Domain Network Ecosystems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.01609/) (2025) - [Joint User Association and Beamforming in Integrated Satellite-HAPS-Ground Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.13257/) (2022) - [Edge AI Empowered Physical Layer Security for 6G NTN: Potential Threats and Future Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.01005/) (2023) - [Space-O-RAN: Enabling Intelligent, Open, and Interoperable Non Terrestrial Networks in 6G](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.15936/) (2025) - [Machine Learning-enabled Traffic Steering in O-RAN: A Case Study on Hierarchical Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.20391/) (2024) - [Toward a Sustainable Low-Altitude Economy: A Survey of Energy-Efficient RIS-UAV Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.02162/) (2025) - [Machine Learning-Based User Scheduling in Integrated Satellite-HAPS-Ground Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.13958/) (2022) - [Distributed Massive MIMO for LEO Satellite Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.00832/) (2022) - [RAN Functional Split Options for Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial 6G Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.17317/) (2023) - [Spectrum Sharing through Marketplaces for O-RAN based Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.10250/) (2023) - [Resilience-by-Design in 6G Networks: Literature Review and Novel Enabling Concepts](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.17480/) (2024) - [Distributed Coordination for Heterogeneous Non-Terrestrial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.17366/) (2025) - [Intelligent Spectrum Sharing in Integrated TN-NTNs: A Hierarchical Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.06720/) (2025) - [Open RAN Testbeds with Controlled Air Mobility](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.11365/) (2023) - [Rapidly Deployable Intelligent 5G Aerial Neutral Host Networks: an O-RAN-Based Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.11869/) (2024) ## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1) - [6G Needs Agents: Toward Agentic AI-Native Networks for Autonomous Intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.01546/) (2026) ## Abstract (arXiv) Non-terrestrial network (NTN) is envisioned as a critical component of Sixth Generation (6G) networks by enabling ubiquitous services and enhancing network resilience. However, the inherent mobility and high-altitude operation of NTN pose significant challenges throughout the development and operations (DevOps) lifecycle. To address these challenges, integrating NTNs with the Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) is a promising approach, since ORAN can offer disaggregation, openness, virtualization, and embedded intelligence. Despite extensive literature on ORAN and NTN, a holistic view of ORAN-based NTN frameworks is still lacking, particularly regarding how ORAN can effectively address the existing challenges of NTN. Furthermore, although artificial intelligence native (AI-Native) capabilities have the potential to enhance intelligence network control and optimization, their practical realization in NTNs has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, in this paper, we provide a comprehensive and structured overview of AI-Native ORAN for NTN. This paper commences with an in-depth review of the existing literature and subsequently introduces the necessary background about ORAN, NTN, and AI-Native for communication. After analyzing the DevOps challenges for NTN, we propose the orchestrated AI-Native ORAN-based NTN framework and discuss its key technological enablers. Finally, we present the representative use cases and outline the prospective future research directions of this study.