AI is taking space telecoms from sci-fi to reality

The field of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) is poised to transform global connectivity and space-based telecommunications through the integration of artificial intelligence, with major implications for worldwide internet access and space exploration.

Current state of global connectivity: The number of people without reliable internet access has decreased from 2.7 billion to 2.6 billion in the past two years, highlighting both progress and remaining challenges in achieving universal connectivity.

• NTNs serve multiple purposes beyond connectivity, including earth observation and climate monitoring
• Satellite data enables better management of natural resources and disaster response
• Industrial applications include pipeline maintenance programs, as noted by Ahmed Ali Alsohaili of Sheba Microsystems

Technical infrastructure and challenges: The management of NTNs requires sophisticated coordination of satellites and high-altitude platforms across vast distances.

• Current civilian satellite count is under 10,000 but is expected to grow to hundreds of thousands
• Satellites operate at various altitudes, from Low-Earth Orbit (100-1,240 miles) to Lagrange points (over 1 million miles away)
• AI systems are essential for managing the increasing frequency of satellite launches and coordinating space traffic

Major players and market dynamics: The United States currently dominates the satellite industry, though a multi-polar landscape is emerging.

• Starlink operates approximately 7,000 satellites with plans for up to 30,000 more
• Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to launch 3,200 satellites by mid-2026
• European and Indian interests, through Eutelsat, operate around 700 satellites
• Saudi Arabia has launched 17 satellites since 2000 and plans $2.1 billion in space initiatives by 2030

Regulatory and safety concerns: The management of space resources and prevention of accidents present significant challenges.

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty limits sovereign claims in space
• Space debris poses an increasing risk to satellite operations
• Industry experts warn of potential collisions without improved regulations
• Fair spectrum sharing between countries and networks remains a crucial challenge

Future implications: The development of NTNs represents a crucial step toward achieving both universal connectivity and humanity’s multi-planetary aspirations, though significant technical and regulatory hurdles remain to be addressed before these benefits can be fully realized.