Towards a space based infrastructure for 5G and beyond 5G networks

A 5G and beyond 5G space-based infrastructure comprising space, ground, user and network segment is investigated based on a previous use-case assessment and technical feasibility. Using an iterative approach, we first identify a low-earth orbit and the frequency bands S and Ka as the most promising candidates for a mid-term scenario. In a second step, the mid-term architecture is further detailed with assumptions made for a regenerative payload processing, user and feeder links as well as inter-satellite links leading to an estimation of a medium satellite size with ~2.6kW power. The payload is supporting 16 beams and 2 feeder links and we estimate a total sellable capacity of 1.9 Tbit/s with 180 satellites providing continuous global coverage. This capacity can be shared among the different identified mid-term use-cases. For the long-term and for supporting additional use-cases as well as higher data rates, lower satellite orbits and higher frequency bands such as Q- and V-Band need to be adopted.