Human & robotics technology space exploration communication scenarios: characteristics, challenges & scenarios for developing intelligent Internet protocols

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive view of current and future space communications systems, and scenarios in relation with intelligent Internet protocol (IIP). IIP is an innovative network layer protocol developed to meet the shortcomings of existing Internet protocol (IP) in an adverse space networking environment and provide future communication support for NASA space exploration activities. IIP distinguishes itself from other existing/proposed protocols with six signature functionalities: a) multiple criteria routing, b) reconfigurability, c) automatic routing and tracking, d) dynamic routing, e) human-in-space routing, and f) intelligent routing. Each of these functionalities provides unique capabilities to overcome constraints of space networks. To demonstrate the applicability of the IIP six functionalities, we present a comprehensive scenario for each of surface, orbital, and backbone networks where each scenario closely resembles the actual operations and problems encountered in space. In each scenario, we provide network characteristics, requirements, and applications of IIP functionalities.