THRUST 01
System Architecture & O-RAN for NTN
Design L/S-band satellite radio hardware and fronthaul, predictive/cooperative beamforming, NTN-aware RU/DU/CU splits, and RIC control for orbital delay, Doppler and mobility.
02 / RESEARCH PROGRAM
Research
NTN-ready Open RAN, L/S-band satellite radio hardware, predictive beamforming, intelligent control and distributed edge computing.
02 / SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
Research Thrusts
Three coordinated thrusts take the work from open architecture to integrated system-level validation.
THRUST 02
Communication-Aware Distributed Edge Intelligence
Develop compute-aware service models, Near-RT xApps and Non-RT rApps for predictive slicing, workload placement and edge offloading.
THRUST 03
End-to-End Use Case Integration
Integrate the full NTN O-RAN stack across mission-driven scenarios, validate KPIs and demonstrate interoperability across heterogeneous nodes.
TECHNICAL REFERENCE
O2-RAN System Architecture
Layered network topology and distributed service management architecture.
DETAILED RESEARCH PLAN
Research work packages & schedule
The project’s task structure, from L/S-band RU engineering and beamforming to compute-aware RIC intelligence and final integration. All months and activities are planned.
THRUST 1
↑ Work packagesThrust 1 — System architecture and O-RAN for NTN
Foundation of the interoperable space–air–ground RAN, including the physical satellite radio hardware and its flight-integration pathway.
T1.1Architecture & Functional SplitsSpecify how RU, DU, CU, RIC and SMO operate in NTN environments with Doppler, high RTT and mobility.M1–M6
Planned subtasks
- T1.1.1M1–M2O²-RAN architecture, functions and NTN-aware split definitions.
- T1.1.2M2–M4F1, E2, A1, O1 and O2 interface adaptations and interoperability considerations.
- T1.1.3M3–M5DU/CU/RIC NTN features: timing advance, random access, HARQ, handover, QoS and xApps/rApps.
- T1.1.4M4–M6Integration framework, orbital/TLE data and latency, reliability and scalability KPIs.
T1.2L/S-Band Radio Unit, Fronthaul & Satellite Payload HardwareDesign and prototype L/S-band RUs and fronthaul for UAV and satellite payloads, including Doppler compensation, SWaP, satellite mechanical/electrical interfaces and space-environment design.M3–M30
Planned subtasks
- T1.2.1M3–M8Satellite RU specifications, electrical/physical interface and payload packaging requirements.
- T1.2.2M9–M14Radio hardware, mechanical satellite interface prototypes, design and production reviews.
- T1.2.3M15–M20Submodule testing and laboratory risk reduction against system and environmental requirements.
- T1.2.4M21–M26Field testing and evaluation of prototypes.
- T1.2.5M26–M30Final testing and conversion into a sustained NTN test platform.
T1.3Predictive & Cooperative BeamformingDesign beamforming for direct LEO-to-user connectivity and multi-node satellite/UAV cooperation under Doppler, mobility and power constraints.M6–M30
Planned subtasks
- T1.3.1M6–M12Beamforming specifications and system design document (SDD).
- T1.3.2M13–M18Implementation and integration of approved beamforming changes in the O-RAN RU/CU/DU stack.
- T1.3.3M19–M24Integration testing, including flight-test activities.
- T1.3.4M25–M30Flight testing, documentation and publication of systems and results.
T1.4DU/CU Design & IntegrationAdapt srsRAN-based DU/CU functions and placement, including mobility procedures, learning-based handover and power control.M4–M30
Planned subtasks
- T1.4.1M4–M12DU/CU placement, functional splits and intra-/inter-DU/CU handover baselines.
- T1.4.2M10–M22Intelligent handover decision mechanisms and closed-loop power control.
- T1.4.3M20–M30DU/CU integration with RIC and end-to-end system validation.
T1.5RIC Architecture & Closed-Loop ControlImplement NTN-adapted Near-RT/Non-RT RIC functions and stable intelligent control loops.M14–M30
Planned subtasks
- T1.5.1M14–M18NTN-aware Near-RT and Non-RT RIC architecture.
- T1.5.2M16–M24xApps: predictive handover, Doppler management, HARQ/load adaptation and slicing.
- T1.5.3M18–M26rApps: orbital mobility planning, slice policy and UAV operations.
- T1.5.4M22–M30Cross-layer closed-loop integration and use-case validation.
THRUST 2
↑ Work packagesThrust 2 — Communication-aware distributed edge intelligence
Extend Open RAN intelligence from communication-only control to joint radio, computing and energy awareness.
T2.1Compute-Aware O-RAN Service ModelsExtend telemetry and control to expose compute constraints and support UE-to-UAV and multi-edge offloading.M1–M18
Planned subtasks
- T2.1.1M1–M5Joint communication/compute telemetry and KPI definitions: latency, throughput, QoS, PRB and resources.
- T2.1.2M4–M10E2SM-KPM compatible compute-aware KPI reporting extensions.
- T2.1.3M7–M13E2SM-RC control actions for UE-to-UAV offloading, admission, migration and scaling.
- T2.1.4M9–M18A1 policy extensions for compute, latency and service guardrails.
T2.2Near-RT xApps for Offloading & SlicingDevelop real-time decisions for joint radio scheduling, task admission and communication–compute resource allocation.M6–M21
Planned subtasks
- T2.2.1M6–M10Joint state definition and real-time telemetry acquisition.
- T2.2.2M8–M14Offload–Admission xApp for task admission, delay and placement.
- T2.2.3M9–M16Slice-aware scheduling xApp for communication and compute allocation.
- T2.2.4M10–M18Scheduler coordination and translation to admissible E2 control actions.
- T2.2.5M16–M21NTN adaptation for RTT, Doppler, intermittent links and mobility.
T2.3Non-RT rApps for Forecasting, Placement & PoliciesDevelop orbital-aware prediction, AI model placement and migration, policy distillation and multi-edge coordination.M8–M34
Planned subtasks
- T2.3.1M8–M9KPM/O1/O2 telemetry and TLE/mobility data pipelines.
- T2.3.2M10–M12Demand and link-quality forecasting rApp v0.
- T2.3.3M13–M15Compute- and energy-aware forecasting rApp v1.
- T2.3.4M16–M18AI model and processing-pipeline placement across DU/CU/satellite/ground MEC.
- T2.3.5M19–M21Migration corridors and A1 policy loop closure.
- T2.3.6M22–M24Policy distillation, versioning and rollback.
- T2.3.7M25–M27Meta-RL slice adaptation and UC1/UC2 hardware-in-the-loop integration.
- T2.3.8M28–M30UC3 multi-edge coordination and Phase II integration gate.
- T2.3.9M31–M33End-to-end UC1–UC3 evaluation and Phase III KPI gate.
- T2.3.10M32–M33Documentation, open-source artifacts and publications.
THRUST 3
↑ Work packagesThrust 3 — Use cases, integration and validation
Co-design and assess the research through aerial access, direct-to-cell NTN and distributed UAV edge computing.
T3.1UC1: Disaster-Resilient Aerial gNBsIntegrate and validate UAV-mounted aerial base stations for restored communication under disrupted ground infrastructure.M18–M23
Integration and validation activities follow the use-case and demonstration plans.
T3.2UC2: CubeSat & Satellite Direct-to-Cell ConnectivityIntegrate the L/S-band CubeSat-class radio payload and NTN software functions for satellite-to-user connectivity, with link testing and flight-readiness evaluation.M18–M23
Planned UC2 work includes CubeSat-class radio/payload integration; L/S-band RF, onboard RU/DU/CU and fronthaul interfaces; NTN timing and Doppler compensation; predictive beamforming; and direct-to-cell testing with user equipment. Verification proceeds through laboratory, flat-sat, and hardware-in-the-loop environments, with any on-orbit demonstration conditional on platform qualification and a flight opportunity.
T3.3UC3: Multi-MEC Offloading & CoordinationValidate multi-UAV sensing workloads and their placement across aerial and ground edge computing.M24–M30
Integration and validation activities follow the use-case and demonstration plans.
T3.4Final Integrated NTN SystemDemonstrate UC1–UC3 end-to-end across space, air and ground, with KPI-driven system validation.M30–M36
Integration and validation activities follow the use-case and demonstration plans.
Project schedule: M1–M36 denotes the corresponding project months. Hardware flight testing and CubeSat-class orbital deployment are research objectives subject to engineering validation and launch arrangements, not completed milestones. See the six planned demonstrations →
METHODS & SYSTEMS
Core Technical Directions
Eleven enabling technical directions spanning O²-RAN software, L/S-band and CubeSat-class hardware, satellite and aerial networking, intelligent control, edge computing, and integrated experimental validation.
A
O²-RAN Architecture, Software & Space Hardware
From system specification to functioning software and satellite-capable radio payloads.
01
O²-RAN System Architecture & NTN Protocols
NTN-aware functional splits, open interfaces, synchronization, timing, mobility and architectural adaptations for integrated space–air–ground networks.
02
03
L/S-Band Radio Units & RF Systems
Develop NTN-ready L/S-band radio units, RF front ends, Doppler compensation, fronthaul and satellite-compatible hardware interfaces.
04
CubeSat Payload & Space Hardware Integration
Design satellite electrical and mechanical interfaces, SWaP-aware packaging, thermal management, radiation/EMI shielding considerations, and CubeSat-class payload integration and testing.
05
Predictive & Cooperative Beamforming
Develop LEO-to-user and multi-node satellite/UAV beam prediction, coordinated transmissions, Doppler-aware beam control and interference management.
B
AI-Native Networking & Distributed Edge Intelligence
Make communication, computing, mobility and network control work together.
06
07
Compute-Aware O-RAN Interfaces & Service Models
Extend E2SM-KPM, E2SM-RC, A1 and O1/O2 to incorporate compute telemetry, offloading actions and communication–computation guardrails.
08
C
Platform Integration, Testbeds & System Validation
Cross-platform experimental capabilities for satellite, aerial and terrestrial networking. The three application scenarios are described separately on the Use Cases page.
09
10
5G/6G Satellite Networking & Direct-to-Cell Connectivity
Develop 5G NR-NTN and 6G-oriented satellite radio access for LEO/CubeSat-class platforms, with regenerative connectivity, Doppler and timing adaptation, beam and mobility management, and interoperability with terrestrial networks and user devices.
11
Integrated NTN Testbeds & System Validation
Integrate and evaluate satellite/CubeSat-class radio payloads, UAV platforms, the O²-RAN software stack and ground MEC through emulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, field experiments, and space–air–ground demonstrations. Evaluate latency, reliability, mobility, scalability and compute performance.
All described work is planned research. Satellite flight deployment is dependent on hardware qualification and flight opportunities. Browse the detailed task plan and schedule →