AI-Powered Non-Terrestrial Networks: Connecting Earth and Unlocking a Multi-Planetary Future
Image Source: NASA
Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionize industries across the globe, and one of its most promising frontiers lies in space telecommunications, also known as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). At the recent “Connecting the World from the Skies” forum in Riyadh, industry experts delved into the critical role NTNs will play in achieving global connectivity, enhancing Earth observation, and paving the way for a multiplanetary future.
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The Critical Role of Non-Terrestrial Networks
NTNs are poised to deliver seamless connectivity to every corner of the planet. During the Riyadh conference, co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission, it was highlighted that the number of individuals without reliable internet access has decreased marginally from 2.7 billion to 2.6 billion over the past two years. While this progress is commendable, the journey towards universal internet access remains ongoing.
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Beyond Connectivity: Earth Observation and Resource Management
NTNs offer more than just internet access. Equipped with advanced cameras and sensors, these networks collect extensive data that can be analyzed to gain deeper insights into climate dynamics and inform strategies to combat global warming. Additionally, NTNs facilitate the monitoring and management of natural and human-induced disasters such as floods and wildfires. They also play a pivotal role in optimizing natural resource utilization and boosting productivity in sectors like agriculture. Ahmed Ali Alsohaili, director at Sheba Microsystems, emphasized the indispensable role of NTN data in Aramco’s pipeline maintenance programs.
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Navigating Space Law and Resource Extraction
The commercial exploitation of space is a complex issue governed by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits sovereign claims over extraterrestrial territories. However, the extraction of space resources remains a contentious gray area. Xavier Lobao Pujolar, head of the future projects division at the European Space Agency, pointed out that initiatives like the Artemis Accords are laying the groundwork for a future where the distribution of rare earths and other valuable materials is not monopolized by a few nations.
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A Multi-Planetary Vision for Humanity
The discourse around reusable rockets and the establishment of Martian colonies often faces criticism for diverting resources from pressing Earth-based issues. Nevertheless, the argument for making humanity multiplanetary is compelling. As Mishaal Ashemimry, managing director of the Saudi Center for Space Futures, noted, Earth’s vulnerability to both human-made and extraterrestrial threats, such as asteroid impacts, underscores the necessity of diversifying humanity’s presence beyond our planet. Achieving this vision relies heavily on the advancements in NTNs.
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AI: The Backbone of Managing NTNs
NTNs involve the coordination of a vast array of expensive assets, including satellites and high-altitude platforms. Effective management requires optimizing scarce resources like energy, bandwidth, and spectrum, while also monitoring these assets for faults and accidents. The increasing latency from operating over vast distances adds another layer of complexity. Mishaal Ashemimry highlighted that the surge in satellite launches—from a dozen annually to weekly launches—necessitates AI-driven solutions. With the number of civilian satellites expected to soar to hundreds of thousands, AI is essential for managing space traffic and processing the massive data streams generated.
Conference Objectives and Regulatory Challenges
The Riyadh conference aimed to ensure equitable access to NTNs, preventing them from becoming exclusive to a privileged few. Key discussions focused on spectrum sharing between nations and between NTNs and terrestrial networks, which represent a significantly larger industry. Establishing fair and efficient regulations for NTNs remains a formidable challenge. The conference concentrated solely on civilian applications of NTNs, excluding military uses from the discourse.
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Addressing Space Debris and Collision Risks
A major concern for NTNs is the proliferation of space debris. Inspired by the film Gravity, which dramatizes the catastrophic consequences of satellite collisions, industry leaders like Mishaal Ashemimry warned of inevitable damaging collisions if space junk is not managed proactively. Developing universally accepted regulations is complicated, and some delegates expressed apprehension that significant accidents might be required to spur unified action.
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Diverse Assets and Orbital Strategies in NTNs
NTNs encompass a wide range of assets operating in various orbits. Most satellites are situated in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), between 100 and 1,240 miles above Earth, offering lower latency and reduced signal diffusion compared to higher orbits. In contrast, geostationary satellites orbit at approximately 22,000 miles, maintaining a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface and covering a third of the planet each. Additionally, satellites positioned at the five Lagrange points, some a million miles away, provide stable orbits beneficial for scientific research. High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), including planes, balloons, and drones, also play a role in NTNs by offering cost-effective transmission solutions and geostationary capabilities without the extensive deployment required for GEO satellites.
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Global Competition and Satellite Ownership
Currently, U.S. companies dominate the satellite landscape, with Starlink operating around 7,000 LEO satellites and planning to expand to 30,000. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also gearing up to launch over 3,200 satellites by mid-2026. U.S. government agencies manage an additional 200 non-military satellites, including the crucial GPS constellation. However, as geopolitical dynamics shift, other nations are intensifying their efforts to establish independent NTN capabilities. European and Indian interests dominate Eutelsat’s 700 satellites, with the EU planning to launch another 300 under its Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite program. This diversification marks a move towards a more multipolar space telecommunications environment.
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Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Space Telecom Goals
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving multipolar NTN landscape. Martijn Blanken, CEO of Neo Space Group—an entity under the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund—stressed that while Saudi Arabia may not immediately rival giants like Starlink and Kuiper, its extensive international relationships position it well to become a preferred NTN service provider. Since launching its first satellite in 2000, Saudi Arabia has deployed 17 satellites and plans to invest over $2.1 billion in space initiatives by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 program. The Kingdom aims to collaborate with other nations to build satellite constellations and advocate for robust regulatory frameworks that ensure fair access to space telecommunications for all.
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Source: Forbes
