Developing Wireless Communications to Space Essay example -- Science O

A big potential problem in the future is developing a wireless communications network in outer space. In this paper we will discuss the problems presented with this and the potential solutions to these problems using existing and some futuristic technology. We have broke this into two main parts, one being earth to satellite to planet and back, and the other being planetary ground transmission to and from astronauts to rovers to space stations. The solution has already started being implemented and will continue rapidly into the near future. It is called the Interplanetary Internet. As of now it is an array of floating 'nodes' or satellites scattered around in space that can communicate with each other. In the future a backbone of satellites is envisioned with their own high speed protocols. There will also be large antennas on earth and possible other planets hundreds of feet high, amplifiers scattered throughout space, photovoltaic powered satellites, and high precision equipment on multiple planet surfaces. The architectural concept to this is deceivingly simple. The first part is developing Internet protocols to form local networks in quiet environments with little delay. This could be done with free flying spacecraft here on earth or another planet. The second part is to develop a deep space structure of satellites interconnecting LANs. This includes multiple space based data relay satellites. The third part is implementing a new overlay a new protocol concept called bundling to tie together the Internets. This is based on a routing concept in which multiple messages will be bundled and sent through a series of Internets. The problem with this is not the same as here on earth. Here it is billi... ...face devices completed the elements of the hardware setup. (NASA Takes..) In conclusion the improvements to the current inter-planet system of communication involves increasing the number of nodes in space, development of peer to peer hardware nodes and improvement of protocols to deal with long delays and interference. Works Cited NASA Takes the Internet into Space. 13 Dec 2003. TechNewsWorld. 10 April 2007. . Mars Wants Wi-Fi!. 15 Jan 2004. Wi-Fi Planet. 10 April 2007. . NASA tests WiFi mesh networks. 22 March 2004. GCN. 10 April 2007. . NMSU researchers helping NASA develop systems to transmit data from Mars. 14 Oct 2004. SpaceRef. 10 April 2007. .