Each issue of the IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications (JSAC) is devoted to a specific technical topic and thus provides to JSAC readers a collection of up-to-date papers on that topic. These issues are valuable to the research community and become valuable references. The technical topics covered by JSAC issues span the entire field of communications and networking. JSAC publishes only papers that are submitted in response to a Call-for-Papers. These calls are published in JSAC issues and other publications of the IEEE Communications Society as appropriate to the subject area of the call. Papers submitted for review for possible publication in a JSAC issue must be submitted to one of the Guest Editors listed in the Call-for-Papers. See "Information for Authors" found in any JSAC issue for additional instructions. Topics for JSAC issues are determined by the JSAC Editorial Board after review of proposals submitted by interested parties. All are invited to submit proposals. Instructions for submitting proposals are included in the Guidelines for Proposal preparation on the JSAC website. Recent issue themes included: Network Coding for Wireless Communication Networks, Wireless and Pervasive Communications for Healthcare, Network Infrastructure Configuration, Broadband Access Networks: Architectures and Protocols, Body Area Networking: Technology and Applications, Underwater Wireless Communication Networks, Game Theory in Communication Systems, Exploiting Limited Feedback in Tomorrow’s Communication Networks.

Special Issue on Wireless Energy Transfer Solutions for Sustainable Connectivity Infrastructure from Space to Ground for 6G
Submission Date: 2025-10-15

The evolution of 6G will transform global connectivity, supporting applications like global broadband, real-time data sharing, and autonomous systems. These applications will significantly increase energy consumption due to their complexity. Key factors include the need for efficient connectivity across high-mobility platforms (UAVs, HAPS, and space-based systems), advanced communication technologies (massive MIMO, mmWave, THz), and data-intensive applications (AI-driven network management, real-time processing). Additionally, the explosion in device density, from low-power IoT sensors to high-power communication devices, will further drive diverse energy demands, highlighting the critical need for continuous power supply in 6G networks. 

However, current power solutions for these networks face significant limitations. Aerial, space-based, and terrestrial platforms are often constrained by limited onboard energy storage, requiring frequent recharging, refueling, or battery replacements that disrupt continuous operation. Solar energy, while commonly utilized, remains intermittent due to factors such as night cycles, adverse weather conditions, and geographic limitations—especially in high-latitude regions or during extended nighttime periods. Moreover, the dependence on terrestrial infrastructure for refueling or power resupply adds logistical complexity and cost, particularly for platforms operating in remote or high-altitude environments where consistent access to charging stations is limited. Recent advances in high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies, such as laser and RF-based power beaming, offer promising solutions by enabling the wireless delivery of substantial power. These solutions can significantly extend operational duration, enhance platform capabilities, and reduce reliance on traditional energy storage methods. Nevertheless, integrating wireless power transfer (WPT) with communication systems in dynamic 6G networks presents challenges such as interference between energy and data signals, beam alignment, and energy delivery due to high mobility and varying distances. Unlike low-power SWIPT, high-power WPT can disrupt data integrity. Additionally, high-power beams pose safety and security risks, requiring secure transmission protocols and robust safety measures to address these concerns.

This special issue will focus on aspects of the technological, operational, and safety challenges associated with wireless energy transfer in integrated communication systems across global networks for sustainable connectivity. We solicit high-quality original research papers on topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 

    WPT System Design for Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Networks
    Advanced Power Beaming Techniques for 6G Applications from Space to Ground
    Sustainable Power Distribution Using Solar and WPT for 6G Networks
    Integration of Space-Based Solar Power for 6G Connectivity
    Co-Optimization of Energy Harvesting and Battery Management for Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Devices
    Self-Sustaining Power Systems for Long-Endurance Platforms
    High-Efficiency Energy Harvesting and Conversion Strategies
    Energy-Efficient Modulation and Coding Schemes for High-Power WPT
    Integration of Solar Energy with Wireless Power Transfer
    Coexistence of High-Power WPT and Data Signals
    Green Communication Protocols for WPT-Enabled Networks
    Safety Protocols for High-Power Beams in Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Environments for 6G
    Security and Privacy in Dual-Use WPT and Communication Systems for 6G
    Experimental Prototyping and Testbeds for WPT-Enabled Communication Networks
    Utilization of Ground and Space-Based Solar Power Stations for Continuous WPT
    Integrated Satellite-Aerial-Ground Networks for Integrated Energy and Information Services
    Environmental Impact Assessment of High-Power Beaming
    Semantic Communication for Efficient Data Transfer in WPT Systems
    Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for WPT Systems
    AI-Enhanced Wireless Power Transfer Solutions for 6G Connectivity
    RIS for Wireless Power Transfer in Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Networks