R&I group

Space Communications

The Space Communications (SC) research group focuses on leveraging satellite systems to overcome the challenges of next-generation networks, enabling global, seamless, ubiquitous, and secure 6G connectivity. By addressing these critical challenges, the SC area paves the way for innovative satellite-enabled solutions that ensure reliable, accessible, and secure communication for the 6G era, contributing to a genuinely interconnected global digital ecosystem.

Research lines

NTN: non-terrestrial networks
Software Defined Satellites
Satellite Network Protocols and Technologies
Quantum Technology for Satellite Communications

Technologies

Interoperability among TN and NTN by supportive AI-driven task scheduling
In-orbit virtualization mechanisms towards flexible and regenerative payloads
Space-and-time-aware NTN management and orchestration
Hybrid Inter-Satellite Link Towards Enhanced Optical Satellite Networks
Simulation engine to support satellite network protocols research
Contributions towards Quantum Key Distribution Satellite Networks

Group leader

Joan Francesc Muñoz Martin

Areas

Smart Networks & Services 5G/6G Space Communications

Space Communications

Projects

Space Communications

Publications

Energy-aware Joint Orchestration of 5G and Robots: Experimental Testbed and Field Validation

M. Groshev, L. Zanzi, C. Delgado, X. Li, A. d. l. Oliva and X. Costa-Pérez, “Energy-Aware Joint Orchestration of 5G and Robots: Experimental Testbed and Field Validation,” in IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 3046-3059, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1109/TNSM.2025.3555126. keywords: {Robots;Robot kinematics;5G mobile communication;Robot sensing systems;Sensors;Resource management;Real-time systems;Energy consumption;Testing;Peer-to-peer computing;5G;orchestration;robotics;optimization;offloading;energy efficient},

Quantum Computing in the RAN with Qu4Fec: Closing Gaps Towards Quantum-based FEC processors

Nikolaos Apostolakis, Marta Sierra-Obea, Marco Gramaglia, Jose A. Ayala-Romero, Andres Garcia-Saavedra, Marco Fiore, Albert Banchs, and Xavier Costa-Perez. 2025. Quantum Computing in the RAN with Qu4Fec: Closing Gaps Towards Quantum-based FEC processors. Proc. ACM Meas. Anal. Comput. Syst. 9, 2, Article 36 (June 2025), 25 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3727128

Curved Apertures for Customized Wave Trajectories: Beyond Flat Aperture Limitations

J. M. Canals, F. Devoti, V. Sciancalepore, M. D. Renzo and X. Costa-Pérez, “Curved Apertures for Customized Wave Trajectories: Beyond Flat Aperture Limitations,” in IEEE Wireless Communications Letters (2025).

Space Communications