Optical Satellite Networking and In-Orbit Computing: Towards Integrated Space Communication and Computing

Optical Satellite Networking and In-Orbit Computing: Towards Integrated Space Communication and Computing

Description: 

The rapid deployment of large-scale satellite constellations, together with advances in laser communications and spaceborne computing, is transforming satellite systems from traditional communication platforms into highly connected and computing-enabled space infrastructures. High-capacity optical inter-satellite links can provide hundreds of gigabits per second or even terabit-class connectivity, while emerging in-orbit computing platforms enable data processing, storage, AI inference, and service execution directly in space.

The convergence of optical networking and in-orbit computing also introduces new technical challenges. Satellite mobility leads to highly dynamic topologies, intermittent connectivity, and time-varying link conditions, making routing, traffic engineering, resource allocation, resilience, and network control fundamentally different from terrestrial networks. Meanwhile, in-orbit computing is constrained by limited power, processing capacity, storage, and thermal resources. Efficient coordination of communication, computing, and storage resources is therefore essential.

This workshop aims to bring together researchers, engineers, satellite operators, equipment vendors, cloud and computing providers, and standardization communities to discuss recent advances and future directions in optical satellite networking and in-orbit computing. Particular attention will be given to the integration of high-speed optical connectivity, dynamic networking, distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous network operation. Topics of interest include optical inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground networking; optical transport architectures for satellite constellations; dynamic routing and traffic engineering; resilient and survivable networking; in-orbit computing architectures; distributed AI inference and edge computing in space; computing-aware routing; AI-assisted network management; experimental platforms and in-orbit demonstrations; and emerging standards and applications.

Time: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 13:50-17:30

Venue: Multi-function Hall B, 1F

Chairs:

Yongli Zhao, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Kangning Li, China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd.

Yunbo Li, China Mobile Research Institute

Yuping Wu, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Agenda:

Session I

Presider: Yongli Zhao

13:50-14:00 Opening Remarks

14:00-14:20 Fang Li, CAICT

Title: Collaborative promotion of satellite optical communication technology standards and industrial scale development

14:20-14:40 Buzheng Wei, China Unicom

Title: Thoughts on Wireless Optical Communication in Ground and Low-Altitude Multi-Scenario Applications

14:40-15:00 Xiao Ma, BUPT

Title: Tiansuan Constellation: Research and Practice on Satellite Computing

15:00-15:20 Jiang Tang, Huawei

Title: Technological Trends and Challenges of Space Optical Network for the AI Era

Session II

Presider: Yuping Wu

15:40-16:00 Yunbo Li, China Mobile

Title: Towards Standard-Compatible Adaptive Framing for LEO Inter-Satellite Laser Links: An Exploratory Study of Ephemeris-Embedded OTN

16:00-16:20 Kanglian Zhao, Nanjing University

Title: Resilient Optical Feeder Link Networking for LEO Constellations

16:20-16:40 Wenbo Yu, ZTE

Title: Prospect of Broadband Satellite Laser Communication Technology

16:40-17:00 Changzheng Zhou, Laser Link (Shanghai) Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd.

Title: Development Status and Future Prospects of Optical Inter-Satellite Links in LEO Satellite Constellations

17:00-17:30  Panel Discussion, Presider: Yunbo Li