Integrated Positioning and Communication via LEO Satellites: A Contemporary Overview

Abstract

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, as a prominent technology in the sixth generation non-terrestrial network, offer both positioning and communication capabilities. While these two applications have each been extensively studied and have achieved substantial progress in recent years, the potential synergistic benefits of integrating them remain an underexplored yet promising avenue. This article provides a contemporary overview of integrated positioning and communication (IPAC) systems enabled by LEO satellites. Leveraging the distinct characteristics of LEO satellites, we examine how communication systems can enhance positioning accuracy and, conversely, how positioning information can be exploited to improve communication efficiency. A representative case study is included to illustrate enhanced LEO positioning signal acquisition with the assistance of communication-side information. Finally, several key open research challenges for LEO-based IPAC systems are discussed.