Satellites will be essential in 6G communication networks by providing seamless global coverage and extending data paths to space through standalone deployment or satellite-terrestrial integrated networks. With the deployment of mega-constellation low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites and the 3rd Generation Project Partnership (3GPP) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standardization, both academia and industry are expected to continuously invest their R&D efforts for technical breakthrough and ultimate commercialization.

Unique characteristics of satellite channels, such as long propagation delays and big Doppler shifts, need to be overcome with new designs of signal waveforms and multiple access schemes in a wide range of spectrums. Moving topologies of the non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites and interconnection of heterogeneous PHY links should be considered to optimize routing path decisions and end-to-end flow control. Resource allocation and network management over the integrated network can capitalize on the efficient use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in the software-defined and virtualized network. In addition to broadband internet access, backhauling, and internet of things (IoT) services in remote areas, system and payload designs of 6G communication satellites will be geared to support multi-purpose and multi-functional space networks for earth observation, monitoring, positioning/navigation, space exploration, etc.

The third International Symposium on Satellite Communication Systems & Services (SCSS), co-located with ICTC 2024, will make an ideal forum to share state-of-the-art satcom R&D outcomes and to seek a global network for 6G satcom standardization/deployment. We invite researchers and engineers to submit original technical papers for oral/poster presentation at the symposium. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• 6G NTN standardization
• PHY/MAC layer technologies for 6G satellite communications
• Network/Transport layer technologies for 6G satellite networks
• Applications and use-cases for 6G satellite communication networks
• Satellite-air-terrestrial integrated network architecture for 6G
• LEO and vLEO mega-constellation networks for 6G
• AI and ML for 6G satellite networks
• Security, privacy, and authentication in 6G satellite networks
• ISL (inter-satellite links) and FSO (free space optical) communications for 6G satellite networks
• RF technologies and spectrum for 6G satellite networks
• Virtualization and software-defined networking for 6G satellite networks
• Payload and system design for 6G communication satellites
• Small/cube/Nano satellites for 6G networks
• HAPS/UAV/UAM integration and services with 6G satellites
• 6G networks for multi-purpose and multi-functional satellites
• Testbeds and simulations for 6G satellite networks