R&D for Satellite Communications and Non-terrestrial Networks toward Beyond-5G in Japan

At present, discussions on information and communication technologies for Beyond-5G/ 6G are accelerating. In the field of space communications, satellite communications are becoming more advanced and active, and it is expected that an advanced information and communication network will be realized that links the earth and space with satellites. In the Beyond 5G/6G era, spatial network expansion is required, and advanced communication with mobile devices called non-terrestrial networks will become important. This paper describes the efforts and the status of R&D regarding the developments of satellite communications and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) toward Beyond-5G/6G in Japan.