Foldable Antenna Array in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: Architectures and Applications

Abstract

Space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGINs) integrate heterogeneous platforms with different coverage, mobility, and payload constraints, which creates strong demands for flexible antenna architectures. Foldable antenna arrays (FAAs) provide a promising solution by reconfiguring array geometry, antenna positions, and orientations through controllable joints or hinges. However, existing studies on FAAs have mainly considered simple folding configurations and limited deployment benefits, while FAAs' architectures and broader potential for SAGIN remain largely unexplored. In this article, we present the fundamentals and architectures of FAA, including folding mechanisms, foldability levels, and functional capabilities. We then examine FAA applications for ground base stations, low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, and satellites, together with their potential challenges and solutions. Finally, we highlight open issues and future research directions, and provide a case study to demonstrate the FAA-enabled communication performance improvement in SAGIN.