A Roadmap to Future Space Connectivity

This book provides an overview of the latest R&D advancements in the field of ICT technologies inherent to a New Space vision. The book presents a system-level and technology-level description of future space networking and communications. The authors also expand the vision to interplanetary networks. The book spans hardware and software technologies for future space communication networks, also considering very modern paradigms like quantum technologies and Softwarization. In the book, the word space is intended in a wider sense than the usual satellite communications, including new and partially unexplored fields like quantum space communications, interplanetary communications, and extra-terrestrial Radio Access Networks (RANs). The book includes applications including Internet of Space Things, Tactile Internet/Digital twins for Space and discusses future challenges like those involved by the concept of sustainable Space. Provides an overview of the latest R&D advancements in the field of ICT technologies inherent to a New Space vision; Considers visions and perspectives of space technology, including a through overview of satellite communications; Presents a system-level overview of future space networking and communications.