Virtual multi-beamforming for distributed satellite clusters in space information networks

This article introduces some basic theories of space information networking (SIN), which is a novel research field. A SIN is a network that is able to achieve real-time acquisition, transmission, and processing of space information. The article first investigates the basic satellite-terrestrial architecture of SINs, and then three key technologies of SINs are presented, specifically more details on the high data rate transmission theory. The DSC is the foundation of high data rate transmission; thus, the core technology of DSC, which is beam/beamforming theory, is discussed in detail. Compared to the traditional spot beam theory, this article proposes a novel VBF concept, which is capable of increasing the channel capacity. Some key technologies are also investigated for VBF; they are channel capacity theoretical analysis, opportunistic beamforming, virtual multi-beamforming, and resource management.