Space network architecture technologies

Next-generation space networking will enable totally new methods for conducting space-based missions of tomorrow. As such, it is an area of interest to a number of organizations including NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and commercial satellite vendors. The projected user community of space networking is expecting an "Internet-like" environment. However, space communications raises a number of new issues and technical challenges that go beyond those encountered in traditional ground-based networking architectures. This paper presents the results of initial investigations into such architectural level design issues. Specifically, this effort focused on networking technologies that would allow multiple NASA missions to autonomously utilize shared space resources within next-generation space-based, distributed, intelligent, remote sensing systems. In order to devise proper networking services, an understanding of the probable assets, resources, mission types, and mission processing requirements must be obtained. Though more research is necessary, these results will help guide future space networking development efforts.