Terahertz Communication Payload Architecture for Space Information Networks: Challenges, Key Technologies, and Trends

The terahertz frequency band has unique advantages such as large bandwidth and short wavelength, which can significantly enhance the transmission rate and capacity of satellite communication payloads, making it a candidate frequency band for future space information networks and providing new ideas for the design of satellite communication payloads. However, the high transmission loss of terahertz waves and the requirement for high-precision manufacturing pose contradictions with the current level of technology, which limit its large-scale practical application. To fully explore the value of terahertz in 6G era, there is an urgent need to propose innovative terahertz architectures. This paper proposes a terahertz communication payload architecture for space information networks and analyzes its advantages and challenges. On this basis, it further analyzes some of the key technologies involved. Finally, it discusses four promising development directions for space information networks based on terahertz communication payloads.