Disruption Tolerant Networking to Demonstrate Internet in Space
July 17, 2018 | NASAEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations and Science Mission Directorates are collaborating to make interplanetary internet a reality. They’re about to demonstrate Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking, or DTN – a technology that sends information much the same way as conventional internet does. Information is put into DTN bundles, which are sent through space and ground networks to its destination.
Image Caption: NASA’s new Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, or PACE, mission will be the first space mission to use a new communication technology. From left to right are the engineers helping to build the mission: Nga Cao, Steve Feng, Wei Lu, Chris Zincke, and Zoran Kahric. Credits: NASA
Unlike the internet, where data packets are discarded when encountering a disconnection, DTN guarantees delivery even if there are interruptions. If the bundle fails to transmit because of unavailable links, DTN stores the bundles and waits until the next communication path opens. Each DTN node or router can accept custody of the bundle and forward or retransmit the data, eliminating the need for an entire data retransmission from the original source should a disruption occur. This, in turn, saves time and more quickly frees up the limited data memory aboard a spacecraft – an important feature given the large amounts of data collected by satellite instruments.
Data Delivery
The Science Mission Directorate looks forward to incorporating DTN into future missions and has identified the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, or PACE, mission as the first key opportunity to demonstrate this revolutionary capability.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, first tested DTN during a science mission to a comet in 2008. That technology demonstration proved out the capability of DTN as part of the Deep Impact – EPOXI mission. PACE will take an important next step in using DTN as part of daily operations.
“DTN represents a shift in how data will get delivered in the future. I’m delighted PACE will become the first science mission to employ DTN,” said David Israel.
Targeted to launch in the early 2020s, PACE will advance scientists’ ability to assess the health of Earth’s oceans by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web. It will also continue systematic records of key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth’s climate.
Antarctica Demonstration
The decision to infuse DTN on a space platform comes just months after NASA engineers demonstrated the technology from the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica — a highly remote location with limited communication infrastructure. The demonstration showed that NASA could operate “internet style” between two endpoints within two different networks that do not have a continuous path between them, Israel said.
DTN could become a communication necessity for all types of terrestrial applications. Any remote location on Earth that has limited network connectivity is a candidate for DTN, Israel said.
NASA plans to build out a Solar System Internet with international partners, beginning with NASA’s Near Earth Network, Space Network and Deep Space Network, Israel added. Both the Solar System Internet concept and DTN are part of NASA’s Decade of Light initiative, through which the agency is developing and refining next-generation communications and navigation technologies for use in future science and exploration missions. Exploration missions will use DTN to expand the network to the Moon, allowing communication between surface and orbiting elements and with Earth.
“We’re really pushing to get DTN in use,” Israel said. “This is an important first step in that process.”
Suggested Items
Orbex Secures Patent for 'Petal Fold' Reusable Rocket Technology
03/29/2024 | OrbexOrbex has successfully patented its REFLIGHT reusable rocket technology following patent approval in several European markets, based on the patent grant by the European Patent Office, as well as in the United States.
Intel Announces 2024 EPIC Supplier Program Award Recipients
03/29/2024 | Intel CorporationIntel announced the recipients of the 2024 Intel EPIC Supplier Program awards, which recognize suppliers that exemplify Intel’s standard of excellence. Intel is committed to expanding global supply capacity, delivering leadership products and enabling Intel Foundry.
NEOTech Promotes Emilio Ramirez to Chief Technology Officer
03/29/2024 | NEOTechNEOTech, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), design engineering, and supply chain solutions in the high-tech industrial, medical device, and aerospace/defense markets, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Emilio Ramirez to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Keynote Preview: Reshaping our Engagement With the World
03/28/2024 | Shawn DuBravac, IPCThe widespread integration of AI across various sectors is broadening its impact, from revolutionizing healthcare with Smart solutions to transforming homes into intuitive spaces, highlighting its crucial role in boosting efficiency and addressing complex challenges. In healthcare, we're witnessing a trend toward personalized care with AI-driven devices like intelligent pillows to mitigate snoring, sophisticated sleep monitors, and innovative patient monitoring systems.
Indium Corporation to Present, Exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM
03/28/2024 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation is set to present and exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM, one of Europe’s premier single-day electronics manufacturing forums, on April 17 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. Topic areas for 2024 will include AI, automation, sustainability, and quality.