Principal Author: Ms. Pooja Wagh

Title of Paper: Space Based Internet Emulation

Abstract: We envision that each Earth Sciences observation satellite participates in a Space Based Internet (SBI). That is, that each satellite is capable of originating traffic, terminating traffic, and, most importantly, is capable of switching traffic traveling between other satellites and the ground. To achieve a SBI, each observation satellite carries a communications system with several channels or beams (RF or optical) and a network control processor to switch traffic between the several communications channels and local payload. Most switching will take place at the network layer (Internet Protocols), but we also consider switching at other layers (data link) to ascertain the benefits of quality of service management and traffic balancing management.

The advantages of a Space Based Internet in which each observation satellite takes part are several fold:

1. The system is scalable, as each satellite is launched it adds capacity to the SBI;
2. Standard SBI modules can be designed, constructed, and deployed to minimize individual satellite cost;
3. SBI modules can be enhanced over time as technology advances, hence the system evolves;
4. Special SBI satellites can be designed, constructed, and deployed to provide extended capacity and capabilities;
5. Future missions are likely to be "joint" across multiple platforms and programs calling for an integratedcommunications capability;
6. Communications between satellites will necessary for coordinated data collection, especially for unique events.

We describe our architecture and design for a Space Based Internet emulation system.