Challenges and Standardization on 5G with Satellite Access

The integrated network of space and ground is a key feature of the development of 6G network technology, and it is also one of the important directions for the evolution of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive conceptions and descriptions in the application scenarios and use cases about the integration of 5G and satellite network. Therefore, based on the existing standardization work, this paper first provides possible scenarios and aspects related to enhancements of the 5G system over satellite, including inter-satellite Store and Forward (S&F), data transfer for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in remote areas, satellite connectivity to aid terrestrial network planning, service differentiation for UEs and enhanced positioning service, etc. Next, this paper analyzes the corresponding potential new service requirements for these scenarios, and presents the challenges faced by current satellite access technologies and suggestions for the evolution of 5G standardization.