# Toward Integrated Satellite Operations and Network Management: A Review and Novel Framework
## 1 Introduction
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Release** & **Contribution** \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Rel. 16 [16]} & Integrating satellite access into 5G networks, exploring architectural aspects like satellite links serving as backhaul for ground-based gNB or directly connecting with 5G UE. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Rel. 17 [17]} & Introduced NTN into the 5G architecture, integrating satellite-based backhauling and direct access for UE via satellite. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Rel. 18 [18]} & Enhanced NR to support NTN, improving UE mobility, considering higher frequency bands for VSAT devices, and enhancing coverage for low data-rate applications. \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Rel. 19 [19]} & Enhance coverage, mobility, and connectivity for both NTN and terrestrial networks, introducing features like notification channels for low-signal UE calls and regenerative payloads for flexible NTN deployments. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: Summarized 3 GPP releases contribution to NTN standardization. prohibitive for MNOs, while SNOs often struggle to generate adequate revenue operating in isolation. Partnerships between MNOs and SNOs thus would provide a service-based model that benefits both sectors, making collaboration not just advantageous but necessary. Ongoing research demonstrates enhanced performance in hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks through joint optimization approaches [23], while autonomous multi-mission orchestration frameworks enable coordinated operations across heterogeneous constellation architectures [24]. This cooperation introduces a technical challenge in integrating satellite and network management operations. SatOps refer to the operational commands and procedures for managing satellite platform subsystems, including payload configuration, resource management, attitude control, power systems, and communication subsystem control. These operations traditionally follow task-scheduling methodologies due to the resource-constrained nature of satellite platforms and intermittent connectivity constraints. NetOps, in contrast, encompass the management operations for network infrastructure, including service deployment, resource allocation, policy management, and quality of service enforcement. In the context of integrated satellite-terrestrial networks, NetOps primarily involve MANO operations such as VNF deployment, SDN control, and dynamic resource orchestration, typically following real-time or near-real-time management paradigms. Satellite and network operators have long followed these distinct operational methodologies, each shaped by the historical paradigms and technical constraints of their respective industries. Network operators and satellite operators bring different technical approaches that are optimized to meet their unique operational environments and objectives. As these sectors converge, aligning these divergent operational methodologies is key to creating a cohesive, efficient system that leverages the strengths of both MNOs and SNOs. Satellite operations historically rely on task scheduling, whereas terrestrial networks employ (near) real-time mechanisms (e.g., resource allocation based on network metrics). However, integrating satellite and terrestrial networks requires a hybrid approach, bridging these two operational frameworks. Given their compatibility with low-connectivity networks, certain use cases, such as IoT and messaging services, may align more closely with satellite operations. Conversely, services like broadband and backhauling over satellites may adopt methodologies akin to traditional terrestrial networks, owing to their reliance on high-connectivity NTN. Combining both operational paradigms is imperative for effective network management in either scenario.