Tackling Delayed CSI in a Distributed Multi-Satellite MIMO Communication System

Abstract: In this study, we explore the integration of satellites with ground-based communication networks. Specifically, we analyze downlink data transmission from a constellation of satellites to terrestrial users and address the issue of delayed channel state information (CSI). The satellites cooperate in data transmission within a cluster to create a unified, distributed massive multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system. The CSI used for this process is inherently outdated, particularly due to the delay from the most distant satellite in the cluster. Therefore, in this paper, we develop a precoding strategy that leverages the long-term characteristics of CSI uncertainty to compensate for the undesirable impact of these unavoidable delays. Our proposed method is computationally efficient and particularly effective in lower frequency bands. As such, it holds significant promise for facilitating the integration of satellite and terrestrial communication, especially within frequency bands of up to 1 GHz.