# Toward Integrated Satellite Operations and Network Management: A Review and Novel Framework
## 1 Introduction
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Classification** & **Category** & **Percentage (\%)** \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Mission application} & IoT/M2M & 24 \\ \cline{2-3}  & Optical EO & 17 \\ \cline{2-3}  & Broadband Internet & 14 \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Satellite size} & Microsats & 20 \\ \cline{2-3}  & CubeSats & 15 \\ \cline{2-3}  & Smallsats & 14 \\ \cline{2-3}  & Small unit satellites (overall) & 82 \\ \hline Satellite orbit & LEO & 94 \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Survey summary. By combining both networks, 6G aims to provide broadband services in developed areas via cellular networks while extending connectivity to remote areas through satellites. This integrated approach is also expected to overcome conventional network limitations and enable ubiquitous, seamless, and global communication [11]. Advances in 6G non-terrestrial networks demonstrate significant progress in AI-empowered satellite operations [12; 13], multi-connectivity solutions for enhanced performance [14], and hybrid network architectures integrating reconfigurable intelligent surfaces [15]. The 3 GPP, as the primary standardization body for mobile networks, has been adapting its standards for NTN, which refers explicitly to satellite and other non-ground-based communication systems defined within the 3 GPP framework. Table 2 summarizes the contributions to NTN standardization, compiled from official 3 GPP technical reports for each release [16; 17; 18] and relevant technical literature [19]. The information was extracted and categorized to highlight the progressive development of NTN integration within the 3 GPP framework. Together, ITU and 3 GPP aim to promote a shared and open standard for 6G that integrates NTN, which allows different network components from different vendors to work together harmoniously, eliminating compatibility issues and reducing complexity in both deployment and operation. A common standard fosters interoperability, innovation, and competition by allowing multiple actors to develop interoperable solutions, leading to more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable services. Ultimately, a unified NTN standard is essential for achieving a truly integrated and ubiquitous network capable of supporting diverse applications and improving connectivity for users worldwide. The integration of TN and NTN presents numerous challenges, such as NTN operation and network orchestration, traffic allocation, optimal node allocation, and satellite payload constraints [20]. Within contemporary communication systems, distinct entities typically conceive and manage satellite and terrestrial networks. Despite considerable interest in integrated satellite-terrestrial networks, the seamless integration of these two infrastructures remains an unresolved challenge [21]. This work targets integrating satellite and network operations and management. MNOs and SNOs are increasingly motivated to work together, driven not only by technical challenges but also by the pressures of regional politics and spectrum ownership. The convergence of their operations is rooted in three main factors: (1) limited orbital slots, (2) spectrum scarcity, and (3) economic considerations [22]. With only a finite number of orbital slots available, operating private satellites is impractical for each MNO. Additionally, SNOs lack sufficient spectrum to build completely private networks, creating an incentive for spectrum sharing. Economically, the cost of independent space infrastructure is