Methods and systems for managing satellite communication with network functions (nfs) onboard the satellite

A user equipment (UE) supporting store and forward operation for satellite communication, comprising:

• a transceiver;
• at least one processor comprising processing circuitry;
• and
• memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to:
• transmit a request message related to a non-access stratum (NAS) procedure to a satellite,
• receive a response message as a response of the request message from the satellite, the response message including first information indicating a timer for waiting subsequent NAS procedure and second information indicating a list of one or more identifiers related to one or more satellites for attempting the subsequent NAS procedure, and
• attempt the subsequent NAS procedure with a satellite among the one or more satellites according to the second information.

An apparatus of a satellite supporting store and forward operation for satellite communication, comprising:

• a transceiver;
• at least one processor comprising processing circuitry;
• and
• memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:
• receive a request message related to a non-access stratum (NAS) procedure from a user equipment,
• transmit, to the UE, a response message as a response of the request message from the satellite, the response message including first information indicating a timer for waiting subsequent NAS procedure and second information indicating a list of one or more identifiers related to one or more satellites, including the satellite, for attempting the subsequent NAS procedure, and
• perform, based on the response message, the subsequent NAS procedure with the UE.