RIS-Assisted Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: New Horizons for
Flexible Access and Connectivity
Abstract
Space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN) has emerged as a paradigm
shifting architecture that offers large-scale, flexible wireless
coverage and seamless, high-rate connectivity to complement terrestrial
communications. Nonetheless, unlocking the potentials of SAGIN is
subject to addressing non-trivial challenges associated with their
inherent time-variability, self-organization, and heterogeneity.
Meanwhile, the concept of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) is
recognized as a disruptive technology that supports an unprecedented
control of electromagnetic waves propagation and potentially offers
significant enhancements in spectral efficiency, coverage expansion, and
security, all achieved in a low-cost and energy-efficient manner. We
anticipate that the integration of RISs into SAGIN will not only play a
fundamental role in improving the quality of inter- and intra- layer
communications, but will also provide complex interactions among the
three network segments, and hence, opens the horizons for a new breed of
applications across all industries. In this article, we explore the
underlying opportunities and challenges of integrating RIS-enabled
communications into SAGIN, and present a forward-looking overview of the
cross-layer operational elements supported by RISs. Finally, we outline
major enabling technologies and present a look ahead toward addressing
open research issues.