Young researchers shape our future. Bringing their innovative ideas into our projects, they contribute not only to the excellence of research of the University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), but also to our impact in society. They take our research to the next generation.
In this edition of the series, we feature Dr. Chandan Sheemar and his research on Joint Communications and Sensing for 6G non-terrestrial networks.
Dr. Chandan Sheemar, postdoctoral researcher in the Signal Processing and Communications (SIGCOM) research group, gave us some insights into the research projects he is working on, reflected on how their project will shape the future, and shared his future plans with us.
Chandan, what is the motivation for your research?
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) refer to wireless communication systems that operate beyond the Earth’s surface. These networks are poised to play a pivotal role in the development of the upcoming sixth generation (6G) of wireless systems, as they offer the potential for flexible, cost-effective, and high-capacity connectivity solutions.
NTNs encompass various platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platforms (such as aircraft providing observation or communication services), and satellite systems categorised into low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites.
Among these, satellite systems are of particular interest due to their capability to deliver navigation, communication, and observation services on a global scale. These systems can support a wide range of communication and sensing applications, including Earth observation and environmental monitoring. Currently, these services are provided independently, with separate satellites dedicated to specific tasks and operating in different frequency bands. This necessitates the production of multiple satellites, the provision of individual power supplies, and the deployment of these systems into space. Given the constrained resources within NTNs, there is a growing need to shift towards a more sustainable and integrated wireless ecosystem in space, one that maximises efficiency and minimises resource consumption.
What are the solutions to this problem?
Emerging trends in wireless communications indicate that the integration of multiple services into a single satellite platform holds great potential for fostering sustainable growth and driving substantial technological advancements in the field. Specifically, the development of multi-functional payloads capable of simultaneously delivering communication and sensing services is expected to yield numerous benefits. These include a marked reduction in both launch and hardware costs, a decrease in the generation of space debris, and significant improvements in spectrum efficiency. By consolidating various functionalities within a single satellite, this approach promises to optimise resource utilisation and enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of satellite-based communication systems. Furthermore, the convergence of these services is likely to facilitate the evolution of more sophisticated and resilient satellite architectures, thereby laying the groundwork for future innovations in space-based wireless communication technologies.
What are you working on in your research?
Our research group is dedicated to advancing the concept of joint communication and sensing for satellite systems, with the goal of integrating both services into a unified satellite platform. This approach goes beyond simply merging existing services; we are focused on unlocking new use cases and applications that can benefit from the convergence of these technologies.
By harnessing the synergies between communication and sensing capabilities, we aim to develop systems where information gathered from one service can enhance the performance and accuracy of the other. For instance, sensing data can be utilised to optimise communication parameters, such as beamforming and resource allocation, while communication systems can provide real-time feedback to improve the precision and timeliness of sensing tasks.
Our vision is to create a new generation of multi-functional satellites capable of supporting a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, smart city infrastructure, and enhanced global connectivity. By integrating these services within a single satellite, we also aim to address key challenges in satellite design, such as reducing hardware redundancy, lowering operational costs, and improving spectral and energy efficiency. Ultimately, our research strives to pave the way for more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable satellite systems that can meet the demands of the future.
How does your approach shape the future?
Integrating sensing data in satellite communications enables enhanced security by detecting eavesdroppers. With this information, artificial noise can be used to protect transmissions, ensuring only intended users can understand the messages. Another application is using the same signal for object detection in space. For instance, we can detect space debris by analysing the reflections of these signals. Finally, autonomous navigation and communication can be enabled by maintaining real-time, reliable communication links while simultaneously tracking the movements of autonomous nodes. This can be applied to vehicle communication on Earth, as well as to robots on the Moon and spaceships on deep space missions, ensuring everything remains under control.
What inspired you to work in research at SnT?
I was inspired to pursue research at SnT due to the world-renowned reputation of the SIGCOM research group and its leadership in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial wireless systems. It is globally recognised for its cutting-edge research and innovation, particularly in satellite communications. The opportunity to collaborate with top experts and contribute to groundbreaking projects in such a leading environment is a significant motivator. Additionally, the strong collaboration with industry partners played a key role in my decision. SIGCOM’s close ties with global industry leaders offer a unique research experience, where theoretical advancements can be rapidly translated into real-world applications. This collaboration provides an excellent platform for developing impactful solutions to critical challenges in the space domain, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs.
What are your future plans?
In the future, I aim to continue advancing research in satellite communication and integrated wireless systems, particularly focusing on the intersection of communication and sensing technologies. My goal is to contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for next-generation space and terrestrial networks. I also plan to engage in impactful collaborations with both academic and industry partners to bring theoretical advancements into real-world applications. Additionally, I hope to take on a leadership role in driving cutting-edge projects that address global connectivity and environmental challenges. Ultimately, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the growth and evolution of wireless technologies in the space domain.
About Chandan:
Chandan Kumar Sheemar received his BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Padua in 2016 and 2018, respectively. He received his PhD from EURECOM (France) in 2022. His research interests include Statistical Signal Processing, Ultra Massive MIMO, Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces, Distributed Signal Processing, and Optimization Theory.
