Distributed MIMO communication using small satellite constellations

In this paper, we study the performance of a satellite-based distributed multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication system and compare it with the more conventional single-input, single-output (SISO) system architecture typically used for deep-space communication. We show that in terms of the trade-off between spectral efficiency and energy efficiency, there are distinct advantages to using MIMO communication in some operating regimes and SISO communication in others. However, implementing even a SISO system in space can be accomplished using a fractionated satellite-based MIMO approach that may have numerous practical advantages such as, lower cost, greater scalability, and higher fault tolerance.