  In this work we discuss the utilization of micro-satellite constellations as
effective infrastructures for the communication among ground stations or even
among 'smart' devices in IoT scenarios. We design and implement a series of
experiments in OMNeT++ (with the OS3 framework) and evaluate their results in
different scenarios. Initially, we establish the necessary theoretical
background for space communications, including satellite and constellation
design features, with existing and novel satellite services in various areas of
interest. Furthermore, we detail the OMNeT++ and OS3 frameworks and introduce
the significant variables/parameters for our experiments. Our scenarios are
presented in three groups, departing from the straightforward one sender - one
receiver communication and proceeding with a topology of multiple neighboring
ground stations transmitting pings. We conclude with an IoT Case Study in which
we import real measurements from sensors of the SmartSantander test-bed.
Through our experiments we observe the effect of simulation parameters such as
the constellation design (e.g., the number of satellites and planes) and the
intersatelliteLinks regarding the produced RTT and ping loss, while we also
highlight their potential contribution on networking communications when
disruptions dominate.
