Space network IP services (SNIS): an architecture for supporting low Earth orbiting IP satellite missions

The NASA Space Network (SN) supports a variety of missions using the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), which includes ground stations in White Sands, New Mexico and Guam. A space network IP services (SNIS) architecture is being developed to support future users with requirements for end-to-end Internet protocol (IP) communications. This architecture will support all IP protocols, including mobile IP, over TDRSS single access, multiple access, and demand access radio frequency (RF) links. This paper will describe this architecture and how it can enable low Earth orbiting IP satellite missions.