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

(OJCOMS) Empirical Comparison of Full and Split gNB Architectures in 5G NTN Based on a Laboratory Testbed

O. Baselga, A. Calveras and J. A. Ruiz-De-Azua, “Empirical Comparison of Full and Split gNB Architectures in 5G NTN Based on a Laboratory Testbed,” in IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society.

[OJCOMS] Towards GNSS-Free Synchronization: An Improved PSS-based Frequency Alignment Technique for NTN

I. Gallardo-Duval, J. F Munoz-Martin, A. Rovira-Garcia, J. A. Ruiz-De-Azua, “Towards GNSS-Free Synchronization: An Improved PSS-based Frequency Alignment Technique for NTN,” in IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, vol. X, pp. X-X, 2026, doi: 10.1109/OJCOMS.2026.3651826

(OJCOMS) RF-Assisted Compensation for Rapid Optical Acquisition in Hybrid Inter-Satellite Links

E. Fernandez-Nino, J. A. Fraire, A. Camps, and J. A. Ruiz-De-Azua, “RF-Assisted Compensation for Rapid Optical Acquisition in Hybrid Inter-Satellite Links,” IEEE Open J. Commun. Soc., pp. 1–1, 2026, doi: 10.1109/ojcoms.2026.3688693.

[OJCOMS] Satellite quantum key distribution: analysis, modeling, performance evaluation, and validation

J. Jordan-Parra, M. Garcia-Romero, J. Gil-Lopez, J. A. Ruiz-De-Azua and J. Paradells, “Satellite Quantum Key Distribution: Analysis, Modeling, Performance Evaluation, and Validation,” in IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, doi: 10.1109/OJCOMS.2025.3614698.

Leveraging IPv6 and ICMPv6 for Delay-Tolerant Networking in Deep Space

Pirovano, U.; Fusté, O.; Calveras, A. Leveraging IPv6 and ICMPv6 for Delay-Tolerant Networking in Deep Space. Technologies 2025, 13, 163. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040163

An agent based simulation of COVID-19 history in Catalonia using extensive real datasets

Bosman, M., Cordon, Y., Duran-Sala, M., Gabbanelli, L., García-Pérez, C., Jordan, X., … & Vitagliano, V. (2024). An agent based simulation of COVID-19 history in Catalonia using extensive real datasets. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 31858.

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Space Communications