###### Abstract  
In this paper, we study the resource allocation problem of multi-access edge computing (MEC) assisted satellite networks in ocean areas. Considering the demand heterogeneity of users and the limited resources of satellites, we propose an online multi-round auction-based resource allocation (OMARA) approach for resource trading between satellites and users, where satellites are the resource sellers and users are the related resource buyers. The proposed approach can effectively determine the price for the trading of resources and can match the service relationships accordingly between satellites and ground users. Finally, it is shown by the simulation experimental results that the proposed approach outperforms the other existing algorithms in maximizing service satisfaction. computing offloading; satellite; auction mechanism; resource allocation +
Footnote †: journal: _electronics_  
0000-0001-6000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000-00000-00000-0000-0000-0000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000  
computing (MEC), MEC technology is introduced into the satellite network. The core idea is to sync the rich computing and caching resources of the cloud data center to the network edge closer to mobile users. This provides users with multi-level and heterogeneous computing resources, enabling users to obtain computing services worldwide, thus improving the quality of the user experience. However, for the current unmanned ships at sea, it is hard to provide fixed-edge computing servers to provide multi-access edge computing services. With the characteristics of fast deployment and high mobility, satellites can meet the needs of diversified applications and are widely used in traffic monitoring, emergency communications, and so on [18]. In a satellite network, the satellite can be used as a base station to support communication services and IoT applications. Then, the MEC services can be integrated into the satellite network to provide dynamic edge computing services, which have received significant attention [19]. Compared with the traditional networks, the MEC-assisted satellite network can provide better wireless connectivity services and can achieve more flexible network services [20]. It is suitable for all kinds of time-sensitive tasks at sea. Although the deployment of satellites in wireless networks has offered many advantages, there are still many technical and economic challenges that need to be solved when using them at sea. In a satellite system, the stability of network services is required, and proper service mechanisms are also important for reasonable service cost. The lack of appropriate mechanisms may lead to the pursuit of profit at the expense of internal service standards during the resource allocation of satellite services. This event can cause ocean users to pay more to obtain the same service. In this regard, the economic models and game theory methods are used to solve the resource allocation problems in the satellite networks [21]. As one of the most widely used economic models, the auction method can ensure fair, efficient, and truthful resource allocation, especially if the participants are rational, intelligent, and competing [22; 23; 24; 25]. In this paper, we propose an online multi-round auction-based resource allocation method in the MEC-assisted satellite network in ocean areas, which aims to maximize the satisfaction of satellite services for different users. In the proposed auction model, the satellites are considered as the resource sellers, and the users are the buyers. The perspectives of sellers and buyers are both considered, and then a bidding strategy and a matching strategy are introduced to ensure the efficiency of the auction. To ensure the rationality and truthfulness of the auction, we introduce the Vickrey-Clerke-Groves payment mechanism. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by simulation experiments. The whole paper is organized as follows.