Space-based networking technology developments in the Interplanetary Network Directorate Information Technology Program

We present advanced technology developments in space networking achieved under the Interplanetary Network Directorate Information Technology Program. Progress has been made in three primary areas: (1) distributed on-board scheduling as it applies to communications; (2) middleware services; and (3) communications protocols. Demonstrations of these capabilities have been provided using a simulation environment capable of providing a realistic representation of the underlying space communications network environment