RF and Optical Hybrid LEO Communication System for Non-Terrestrial Network

Small satellite LEO constellations are expected to play an important role in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) which expands communication service areas in three-dimensions (from sea to sky and space) in the age of Beyond 5G / 6G. To build fast and stable communication infrastructure for NTN over LEO constellations, hybrid operation of RF and optical communications is important. The authors (Axelspace, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology and KIYOHARA OPTICS) have started 4-year development program on these technologies under NICT Beyond 5G R&D promotion project. In this paper, target, scope and technical challenges of this R&D project are introduced.