From Digital Twins to the Future of Satellite Testing

"I Want to Make Satellite Testing More Accessible for Industry and Academia"

In this interview, we meet Emanuele Tomassi, a doctoral student in Space Systems at Luleå University of Technologyand a researcher within the 6G SATCOM North project. His research focuses on the future of satellite testing and how digital twins can contribute to faster, more cost-effective, and more reliable space systems.

Can you tell us about your research and your role within the 6G SATCOM North project?

I am part of the Space Systems research group at Luleå University of Technology, and I am researching new and improved satellite testing procedures. My role in the project is to enable faster and lower-cost qualification of hardware and more accessible testing methodologies.

What is the main focus of your doctoral research within space technology systems?

My main research interest is the use of digital twins and how digital models currently developed during the design phases can help shape and improve the testing and validation phase of the satellite life cycle.

How do space technologies and satellite systems contribute to the development of future 6G networks?

The integration of satellites and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into current 5G terrestrial networks will enable the possibility of communicating with everyone, at any time and anywhere on Earth, creating true global coverage.

What are some of the biggest technical challenges when combining terrestrial and satellite communication systems?

From a space systems perspective, 6G communication systems will involve constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Given the extremely high velocity of satellites in that region, about 7.5 km/s, keeping a satellite fixed over one area of the Earth's surface is impossible. Therefore, one of the biggest challenges will be enabling a seamless switch between a terrestrial device (phone, antenna, etc.) and many different satellites over time. This will also influence the number of satellites needed in a constellation and their orbital distribution.

What do you enjoy most about working within the field of space technology and satellite communications?

Knowing that if, someday in the future, I turn my head up to the sky, I might be looking at something I built is one of the most thrilling feelings I could ever experience.

How do you see satellite-integrated 6G systems impacting society in the future?

Thanks to 6G communication networks, people will be able to explore extremely remote areas, oceans, and mountains without worrying about losing connection to the world or becoming completely lost in the wild. Disaster zones can be analyzed and monitored almost in real time to ensure faster response times and more effective rescue operations.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope your research will have, both academically and practically?

I really hope my research and the results I achieve will be useful in enabling a less restrictive satellite testing environment and allowing even smaller industries and academic institutions to build trustworthy hardware without the need for huge budgets and expensive testing facilities.

• Read more about the project 6G SATCOM North