The high-throughput satellite communication system

NICT is conducting research and development of a high-capacity and flexible next-generation high-throughput satellite communication system (next-generation HTS) based on a hybrid of radio and optical technologies.

A satellite communication system called ‘HTS’; which can achieve high-capacity communications by narrowing down the satellite beam and irradiating a large number of antenna beams (100 or more) simultaneously, has emerged. Next-generation HTS must be flexible enough to respond to ever-changing line conditions caused by ever-changing user communication requirements and weather conditions.

The challenge is to be able to accommodate a large number of users at the same time of day or in a specific location, especially during times of disaster. Other challenges include further expansion of transmission capacity and smoother interconnection with terrestrial lines.

Thus, ‘area flexibility’; to flexibly change coverage is being developed, as is ‘frequency flexibility’; to flexibly change frequency allocation, high-capacity ‘radio-optical hybrid feeder links’, and ‘network control technology and 5G/Beyond 5G integration technology’; controlling flexible communication resources also linked to 5G/Beyond 5G on the ground.

Once these technologies are put to practical use, they will be able to provide high-capacity communications and many lines to ships and aircraft at sea, as well as backhaul lines in times of disaster.

NICT plans to demonstrate these technologies using the Engineering Test Satellite No. 9 (ETS-9); scheduled for launch in FY2025.