Next-generation communication technology will be fueled on the cooperation of
terrestrial networks with nonterrestrial networks (NTNs) that contain
mega-constellations of high-altitude platform stations and low-Earth orbit
satellites. On the other hand, humanity has embarked on a long road to
establish new habitats on other planets. This deems the cooperation of NTNs
with deep space networks (DSNs) necessary. In this regard, we propose the use
of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to improve and escalate this
collaboration owing to the fact that they perfectly match with the size,
weight, and power restrictions of the operational environment of space. A
comprehensive framework of RIS-assisted non-terrestrial and interplanetary
communications is presented by pinpointing challenges, use cases, and open
issues. Furthermore, the performance of RIS-assisted NTNs under environmental
effects such as solar scintillation and satellite drag is discussed through
simulation results.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure