UAV-Satellite Integration for Communication System: Potential Applications and Key Challenges

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite integration has become an evolution in communication systems. This study explores the synergistic potential of UAV-satellite integration, along with its applications, difficulties, and potential future prospects. While satellites provide a wider geographical reach, UAVs increase localized coverage and flexibility. This combination shows potential for numerous applications like disaster response, environmental monitoring, remote connectivity, and scientific research campaigns. Coordination of the network, energy efficiency, security, signal interference, and many more are currently the issues we need to pay attention to in this system. Swarm intelligence, AI-driven decision-making, and hybrid communication architectures are promising study areas in the future. As the UAV-satellite integration process advances, it reshapes communication standards and offers unprecedented efficiency and connectivity. © 2023 IEEE.