Beyond 5G/6G generation’s Non-Terrestrial Networks

NICT is working to realize a ‘multi-layered network from space to the ground’ by interconnecting satellite and terrestrial communication systems in preparation for the arrival of next-generation mobile communication systems such as ‘Beyond 5G/6G’.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) is a multi-layered system that connects not only communication satellites, but also HAPS^*1(High Altitude Platform System), drones, ships, as well as all moving objects in the sea, air, and space. The system will be used to connect sea, air, and space vehicles as well as ground-based vehicles. Once realized, this system will open opportunities to use the Internet on airplanes and ships as well as new use cases such as logistics and IoT.

NICT has been developing a small planar antenna (AESA^*2) that enables high-speed, large-capacity communications with satellites as one of the fundamental technologies to realize NTNs. It has been installed on actual aircraft to evaluate its performance. This antenna is very low-profile and can be mounted on small and medium-sized aircraft by their fuselages.

*1 HAPS: High Altitude Platform System

*2 AESA: Active Electronically Steered Array

A part of this study is conducted under the commissioned research of the ‘Research and development on narrowband technology using active electronically steered array antenna that can be mounted on small aircrafts’ (JPJ000254) by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan.