Mega antenna formation of satellite arrays

Recently, distributed antenna technology based on formation of arrays (FoA) has been proposed in the framework of non-terrestrial network (NTN) integration to provide 5G-like mobile satellite services. To obtain the desired benefits in terms of bitrate per unit area on the ground, this large distributed array configuration (achieved by combining many satellites, each carrying its own small antenna) must be carefully optimized from many viewpoints. In this paper, we focus on power generation, and formation configuration. Concerning power generation, we show how to decouple the functions of antenna and solar arrays to meet a power-efficient configuration and design. Concerning formation optimization, we propose a thinning approach with random placement of satellites on a grid, which significantly reduces secondary beams in the emission of the FoA while fully satisfying the constraints placed by optimal power generation.